Download PHYS 102 Basic Concepts of Physics 2015

PHYS 102
Basic Concepts of Physics
Offered:
Credit:
Pre-­‐/Co-­‐requisites:
2015
Semester 1 & Semester 2
15 points
None
Description
A non-advancing course in physics for students interested in acquiring an understanding of
the basic principles of physics and their application to the description of everyday
phenomena, stressing the conceptual understanding of overarching physical ideas. A minimal
background in mathematics and physics is required. Demonstration experiments are a major
feature.
Aims
This course provides students who have not previously studied physics with a foundation for
appreciating the role of physics in our scientific understanding of the world around us and
soundly prepares them for the commencement of further university studies in physics.
Skills and knowledge to be gained
Students who pass this course should be able to:
Course specific goals
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explain the definitions of elementary mechanical quantities
cite Newton's laws of motion and use them to analyse elementary physical situations
explain the definitions of elementary quantities used to describe electromagnetic
phenomena
solve simple problems involving Coulomb's and Ohm's laws
explain the definitions of the elementary quantities used to describe wave phenomena
describe, in terms of a simple formulae where appropriate, a variety of acoustic and
optical phenomena
give a physical explanation of the terms 'heat' and 'temperature' and use these terms to
describe a variety of thermal phenomena
explain the significance of Joule's experiment
state the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics and use them to describe a variety of
processes in an ideal gas.
Discipline specific goals
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for a variety of examples, recognise the basic formula needed to calculate the value of
an unknown physical quantity and by using the formula along with relevant information,
obtain the correct answer.
Personal goals
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plan their use of time to prepare properly for performance/achievement assessments
and meet deadlines find the resources they need to expand their knowledge of topics
covered in the course.
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Syllabus
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Introduction – proportions, quantities, dimensions, units, length, time, mass,
exponential notation.
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Basic classical mechanics - scalars, vectors, linear motion; acceleration, falling bodies,
kinematic equations; forces, Newton's 1st law; mass, weight, Newton's 2nd law; air
resistance,projectile motion; Newton's 3rd law, momentum, impulse, conservation of
momentum; work, power, potential energy, kinetic energy, conservation of energy, mass
energy equivalence.
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Electro-magnetism - electric charge, charge quantization; electric force, Coulomb’s
law, charging; fields, shielding, conductors, insulators, semiconductors, electric
potential, voltage; current, Ohm’s law, superconductivity; power, circuits, cost of
electricity; parallel and series circuits, resistance, direct and alternating currents;
magnetic poles, force and fields, electric charge in a magnetic field, current carrying
wires; particle accelerators, CRT monitors, cosmic rays.
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Oscillations, waves, sound, light - vibrations and waves, amplitude, wavelength,
frequency, period, standing waves; phase, reflection, superposition, interference, EM
spectrum; Doppler effect, expansion of universe, bow waves, shock waves, sonic booms;
sound waves, reflection, diffraction, resonance, echo, reverberation, intensity, loudness,
decibel scale, music; colour, reflection, refraction, scattering, rays; speed of light,
refractive index, Snell’s law, total internal reflection; lenses, mirrors, images, ray
diagrams, thin lens equation, de Broglie waves.
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Thermal physics - temperature, thermal expansion, absorption of heat; phases of
matter, kinetic theory, ideal gas, absolute temperature; conduction, convection,
radiation, cooling, biological energy balance; Joule's experiment, First Law of
Thermodynamics, ideal gas processes; Second Law of Thermodynamics, entropy,
Boltzmann’s formula, biological systems.
Learning activities and teaching methods
Description
Study time
48 × 1 hour lectures
Lecture problems (20 mins)
4 × assignments
Helproom attendance
private study (1.5 hours/lecture)
48 hours
16 hours
24 hours
As required
72 hours (recommended)
Inclusive learning
Students are urged to discuss privately any impairment-related requirements face-to-face and/or in
written form with the course convenor/lecturer and/or tutor
Assessment
Form
Assignments
Tests
Exam
Weight
20% (4 × 5%)
20% (2 × 10%)
60%
Time
6 hours
2 hours
3 hours
2
When
weeks 3, 5, 8, 11
weeks 6, 12
exam period
Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in
coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the
student's own work, reflecting his or her learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be
properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the world-wide web.
A student's assessed work may be reviewed against electronic source material using computerised
detection mechanisms. Upon reasonable request, students may be required to provide an electronic
version of their work for computerised review. Please visit the below link for further information:
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/learning-and-teaching/policies-guidelines-andprocedures/academic-integrity-info-for-students.html
Resources
Prescribed text:
Hewitt P (2010) Conceptual Physics (11th ed.) (Pearson; Addison-­‐Wesley)
Website:
www.physicsplace.com (free access with purchase of new textbook, Pearson International
Edition)
Feedback
Marked script and model solutions to assignments and tests; marked exam script (if
requested)
Enrolment
Typical enrolment
Semester I: 90
Semester II: 140
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