Course Outline for Physics 11
Descriptive Physics

Effective: Fall 2010
SLO Rev: 05/19/2016
Catalog Description:

PHYS 11 - Descriptive Physics

4.00 Units

Motion, gravitation, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, atoms, and nuclei. Present day scientific problems and developments such as alternative energy sources, solar energy, nuclear power, lasers, relativity and black holes. Designed for non-majors in physical science. Includes an introduction to laboratory, principles and techniques with emphasis on the basic concepts discussed in the class. May not receive credit if Physics 10 or Physics 10L has been completed.
Strongly Recommended: MTH 104.
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Laboratory 1.00 54.00 0.00 54.00
Total 4.00 108.00 108.00 216.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. explain concepts which shaped the modern world;
  2. describe and explain physical phenomena;
  3. perform laboratory measurements using simple research tools;
  4. measure quantities of mechanics, such as acceleration, friction coefficients, momentum, and energy;
  5. measure properties of thermodynamics, such as specific heat, thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion;
  6. measure basic quantities of electricity and magnetism, such as current, voltage, power, and magnetic fields;
  7. work with lenses and build simple lens systems.
Course Content:

Course Content (lecture):

  1. Pre-Newtonian Physics
  2. Study of Motion
  3. Newtonian Mechanics
  4. Conservation Principles
    1. Conservation of Momentum
    2. Conservation of Energy
  5. Heat and kinetic theory
  6. Second Law of Thermodynamics
  7. Electricity and magnetism
  8. Electromagnetic waves
  9. Principles of relativity
  10. Quantum mechanics
    1. Atomic theory
    2. Wave-particle quality
  11. Nuclear and particle physics

Course Content (lab):

  1. Determination of mass, volume, length, density and the use of basic measurement devices
  2. Measurement of the acceleration of gravity
  3. Measurement of angular acceleration and moment of inertia
  4. Measurement of centripetal force
  5. Measurement of elastic and inelastic collisions
  6. Measurement of the spring constant and oscillations
  7. Determination of absolute zero temperature and the ideal gas law
  8. Basic calorimetric analysis
  9. Measurement of electric field lines
  10. Computer simulation of the motion of a charge in magnetic field
  11. Measurement of the index of refraction of water
  12. Measurement of the atomic spectral lines of hydrogen
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Class participation
  2. Demonstration/Exercise
  3. Laboratory
  4. Lecture/Discussion
  5. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Reading: 1. Read Chapter 2 from Conceptual Physics and do "Next Time" problems 1, 2, 5, 7, 9. Use concepts from the chapter to answer these problems. 2. Access the SLAC "Virtual Visitor's Center" page from the World Wide Web as provided in the syllabus. Take the "Virtual Tour" while jotting down a list of at least ten questions regarding terms, concepts, or ideas that you either don't understand or wish to discuss further.
  2. Writing, problem solving or performance: 1. Read Chapter 4 in Conceptual Physics and answer problems 3, 5, 7, 9, 35, 40, 45 and 51. 2. Explore the NASA WWW site on the "International Space Station" as discussed in the syllabus. Write a one-page summary of the site, emphasizing the following topics: the orbit of the space station, its orbital period, why or why not artificial gravity will be provided for its inhabitants, its mass, the methods used to assemble it, and its scientific purposes once completed.
  3. Other work: a. Run the "Kepler's third law simulation" linked to the syllabus on the VIWW. Write one paragraph describing the activity, and answer the questions posed during the simulation. Compare your answers to those of your activity group. Discuss the differences between your answers, if any. b. In the guide "Practicing Conceptual Physics," perform the scheduled activity or experiment, and describe your results in the space provided. Compare your results to those of your activity group. Submit one “write-up” per group discussing your experiences and the reasons underlying the differences and similarities in your experiences. c. View the "Single and double slit diffraction" activity on the "Physics 2000 website,” listed in the class resource web page and use the results of this investigation to help you answer the questions on the “interference of light waves” activity sheet.
  1. Quizzes
  2. Home Work
  3. Problem assignments
  4. Periodic written tests
  5. Final Examination
  6. Midterm Examination
  7. Research Projects
  8. Projects
  9. Comprehensive final examination.
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate mastery of lab report for an activity in Physics 11 curriculum
  2. Quantitative mastery of Physics 11 Problems
  3. Read, analyze and critique a magazine or newspaper article about a current discovery in the physical sciences (including physics, chemistry, earth science, geology, meteorology, and astronomy), specifically identifying parts of the process of science, including evidence of observation, past research, testable hypotheses, experimental results, data analysis, support for or against prior theory, peer review and publishing.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Hewitt, Paul G (2001). Conceptual Physics (9th). Addison-Wesley Pub Co.
  • Scientific calculator
  • Frequent access to a computer with an Internet connection
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Strongly Recommended: MTH 104.
Discipline:
Physics/Astronomy*, Engineering*, or