Course Outline for Physics 3A
College Physics A

Effective: Fall 2023
SLO Rev: 09/13/2019
Catalog Description:

PHYS 3A - College Physics A

4.00 Units

Introduction to the major principles of classical mechanics using calculus for students studying life sciences and architecture. Includes: the scientific method and social responsibility of the scientist, Newtonian mechanics, energy, gravitation, fluids, thermodynamics, and vibration waves.
Prerequisite: MTH 1 or MTH 22 and MTH 15 (MTH 1 or MTH 15 can be taken concurrently.)
1902.00 - Physics, General
Optional
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. analyze and solve a variety of problems in topics such as:
    a. linear and rotational kinematics;
    b. linear and rotational dynamics;
    c. gravity;
    d. momentum;
    e. energy;
    f. fluids;
    g. thermodynamics;
    h. simple harmonic motion;
    i. longitudinal and transverse waves;
  2. discuss the role of ethics in science;
  3. operate standard laboratory equipment;
  4. analyze laboratory data;
  5. write comprehensive laboratory reports according to published unit laboratory report standards.
Course Content:

Course Content (Lecture):

  1. Introduction
    1. Qualities and methodology of science and the scientific method; the role of ethics in science and exploration of the question:  Is science neutral or does it reflect the political power of vested interests?
    2. Terminology, notation
    3. Measurement, fundamental quantities
    4. Mathematics review, equations, formulas, dimensional analysis  
  2. Properties of matter
    1.   Structure, density, specific gravity
    2.   Atom structure and nomenclature, Avogadro's number
    3.   Measures of elasticity, stretch, shear, and volume moduli
  3.  Matter in motion, kinematics
    1. Uniform and accelerated motion
    2. Uniform, straight-line motion
    3. Uniformly accelerated motion, gravitational acceleration
    4. Average and instantaneous values
    5. Relative velocity
    6. Vectors, components, description of projectile motion
  4.  Causes of motion, dynamics
    1.  Force
    2.  Newton's three laws of motion
    3.  Systems of units, definitions of force, mass, weight
    4.  Gravitation, frames of reference
    5.  Friction
  5. Conservation of energy
    1. Work
    2. Kinetic and potential energy
    3. Simple machines, efficiency, power,
  6. Conservation of momentum
    1. Newton's Second Law in terms of momentum
    2. Conservation of momentum
    3. Elastic and inelastic impact, energy changes
    4. Center of mass and center of gravity
  7. Rotational motion
    1. Terminology and notation of angular quantities
    2. Uniform circular motion
    3. Central forces
    4. Rotational inertia, conservation of angular momentum
    5. Linear, rotational analogies
    6. Rotational equilibrium of a rigid body
  8. Fluids
    1. Statics, pressure, Pascal's principle, Archimedes's principle
    2. Dynamics, Bernoulli's equation, viscosity
  9. Thermodynamics
    1. Ideal gases
    2. Kinetic theory
    3. Conduction, convection, radiation
    4.  Laws of thermodynamics
  10. Vibrations and waves
    1. Simple harmonic motion
    2. Longitudinal and transverse waves
    3. Sound

Course Content (Laboratory):

  1. Laboratory experiments, simulations, and activities exploring the lecture content that may include the following concepts:
    1. Kinematics in one dimension (Determination of “g”, Measuring Velocities & Accelerations)
    2. Vectors
    3. Kinematics in three dimensions (Projectile Motion)
    4. Dynamics ? Newton's Laws (Force Tables, Atwood’s Machine; Friction,, Drag Coefficients and   centripetal force measurements)
    5. Work and energy
    6. Conservation of energy
    7. Systems of particles
    8. Collisions (Conservation of Linear Momenta, Ballistic Pendulum)
    9. Kinematics of a rigid body (Rolling, Moment of Inertia)
    10. Dynamics of a rigid body (Torque, Angular acceleration, Conservation of Angular Momenta)
    11. Static equilibrium of a rigid body
    12. Gravitation
    13. Oscillations (Hooke’s Law)
    14. Archimedes law (hydrostatics)
    15. Bernoulli's Tubes (Fluid dynamics)
    16. Pressure gauge measurement of the absolute OK temperature of a gas
    17. Linear expansion
    18. Calorimetry
    19. Thermal conductivity
    20. Longitudinal sound waves in tubes and resonance
    21. Transverse standing waves on strings
  2. Experimental Technique, Manual and Computerized Collection and Analysis of Data, Error Analysis
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Lectures
  2. Demonstration/Exercise
  3. Presentation of audio-visual materials
  4. Laboratory exercises
  5. Problem Solving
  6. Textbook reading assignments
  7. Group Activities
  8. Simulations
  9. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. NOTE THAT PROBLEMS 1. and 2. ARE A SAMPLE OF THE KINDS OF QUESTIONS ON OUR FULL SLO ASSESSMENT TEST. YOU CAN SEE THIS FILE IN THE "ATTACHED FILES" SECTION: "ASSIGNMENTS FROM 3A SLO FILE". A bullet of mass m = 0.0050 kg and speed v = 266 m/s is fired into a wooden block of mass M = 3.2 kg sitting on the bottom of an inclined plane making an angle of 30 degrees with the horizontal. The initial velocity of the bullet is parallel to the inclined plane. The bullet embeds itself into the wooden block. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and plane is 0.20. Use conservation of momentum and energy to find the height h the block and bullet rise before momentarily coming to rest. Hint: Use conservation of momentum first. Then use conservation of energy after the collision. Extra Credit. Redo the problem assuming the bullet’s initial velocity is along the horizontal. Explain the difference in height h in this case.
  2. A particle moves in a circular path at constant speed with position coordinates given by (x,y) = (Acoswt, Asinwt) , where w is the angular speed, A is the radius and t is the time. (a) Differentiate the position with respect to time t to get the velocity components. (b) Evaluate the dot product of the position and the velocity to prove that the velocity is tangent to the circle. (c) Differentiate the velocity with respect to time t to get the acceleration components. (d) Prove that the acceleration vector of part (c) always points toward the center of the circle.
  3. Laboratory Assignment: Determine the acceleration due to earth’s gravitational force with three different free-fall methods: Timed free-fall, spark tape, and Vernier computerized data acquisition. Explore the use of graphs and equations for distance vs. time, and velocity vs. time, to determine “g”, the earth’s gravitational acceleration. Master the difference between precision - measuring carefully and accounting for uncertainty in your measurement - and accuracy - measuring correctly and coming close to the “right” answer.
  4. Laboratory Assignment: Determine the centripetal acceleration of a mass using two methods: (i) Dynamically, by attaching the mass to a spring and spinning it in a horizontal circle (ii) Statically, by measuring the weight required to stretch the spring by the same amount. Compare the two methods using a discrepancy test.
  5. Research an application of physics related to a technical topic from the class, and write a 5+ page paper, including at least 5 current outside references. typically , a paper might discuss Bernoulli's law for fluid flow and the effects of climate change in the form of high speed storms.
  6. Research an application of physics in current events related to a topic involving political or social debate or the politics in science and write a 5+ page paper, including at least 5 current outside references. Example: hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", for natural gas: Is it necessary or a a risky short term solution by profiteering energy giants?
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Group Projects
  3. Homework
  4. Quizzes
  5. Final Examination
  6. Critical thinking exercises
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate mastery of basic mechanics concepts including Newton's Laws, ballistics, rotational motion, and conservation laws, as measured by either the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) test that will be administered at the start and end of the term, or the existing non-graded SLO assessment (file attached).
  2. Demonstrate success through achieving a passing mark on the comprehensive final exam.
  3. Demonstrates Mastery of lab experiments through submission of a complete lab report with all requirement elements present, including abstract; introduction; materials, methods, and procedures; data and analysis; results and discussion; references; data tables.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Richard Wolfson, Middlebury College (2019). Essential University Physics: Volume 1, 2/E (4). Pearson.
  1. Vernier. Physics with Computers. Vernier, 2020.
  1. Vernier LoggerPro for real time laboratory computer data processing.. Vernier, (/e).
  1. web link to textbook: https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Wolfson-Essential-University-Physics-Plus-Mastering-Physics-with-Pearson-e-Text-Access-Card-Package-4th-Edition/PGM2013907.html.
  • Computer Learning System: Modified Mastering Physics by Pearson;
  • Calculator
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Introduction to the major principles of classical mechanics using calculus for students studying life sciences and architecture. Includes: the scientific method and social responsibility of the scientist, Newtonian mechanics, energy, gravitation, fluids, thermodynamics, and vibration waves.
Prerequisite: MTH 1 or MTH 22 and MTH 15 (MTH 1 or MTH 15 can be taken concurrently.)
Discipline:
Physics/Astronomy*