Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 College Catalog 
    
2023-2024 College Catalog

PHY 121IN - Introductory Physics I [SUN# PHY 1111]

4 Credits, 6 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 3 lab periods

Introduction to general physics for programs requiring a one -year, non-calculus based physics course. Includes the nature of physics; linear motion and kinematics; dynamics; work and energy; and linear momentum. Also includes rotational motion; heat; states of matter; and waves and sound.

Prerequisite(s): With a grade of C or higher: completion of MAT 187  or MAT 189  or higher; or required score on Mathematics assessment test. 
Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - SCI; Meets CTE - M&S.



Button linking to AZ Transfer course equivalency guide    button image Prior Learning and link to PLA webpage

Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate improvement in critical thinking skills by more successfully predicting outcomes in situations involving force and motion.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of force by predicting outcomes in various physical scenarios.
  3. Evaluate graphical models of motion and apply mathematical models to predict outcomes.
  4. Predict outcomes in situations involving work and energy, and apply conservation principles to solve typical real world problems.
  5. Predict outcomes in situations involving impulse and momentum, and apply conservation principles to collisions or explosions.
  6. Predict outcomes in situations involving heat and temperature, and apply energy principles to determine how the temperature of an object is affected by heat transfer.
  7. Predict outcomes in situations involving pressure and fluids, apply buoyancy principles to analyze forces on submerged objects.

Performance Objectives:
  1. Use MKSA metric system of measurement in lab and in problem solving.
  2. Use specific mathematics skills (powers of 10, trigonometric functions, vectors, simultaneous equations) to solve physics problems.
  3. Identify and solve problems involving constant velocity and constant acceleration.
  4. Apply kinematic equations to solve falling body problems.
  5. Apply principles of algebra and kinematics to solve projectile problems.
  6. Apply Newton’s three laws of motion and principles of kinematics to solve force (dynamics) problems.
  7. Apply concepts of work and energy to solve problems in mechanics.
  8. Apply concepts of momentum and impulse (including conservation) to solve collision and separation problems.
  9. Apply concepts of rotational kinematics and dynamics to problems involving rotational motion.
  10. Apply concepts of temperature and heat as energy to solve problems concerning the transfer of heat and effects of heat on systems.
  11. Apply 1st and 2nd laws of Thermodynamics to systems to solve problems involving work, heat, and thermodynamic cycles.
  12. Apply microscopic and macroscopic versions of gas laws to solve problems describing the behavior of gases.
  13. Apply principles of fluid mechanics to solve problems related to fluids with special emphasis on Archimedes’ principle.
  14. Apply principles of elasticity (Hooke’s Law) and equations to solve problems involving simple harmonic motion.

Outline:
  1. Nature of Physics
    1. Science and scientific method
    2. Fundamental and derived quantities
    3. Measurement and the metric system
    4. Math preparation
      1. Powers of ten
      2. Metric system
      3. Trig. introduction
      4. Vector addition and components
  2. Linear Motion and Kinematics
    1. One dimensional kinematics
      1. Constant velocity motion
      2. Constant acceleration (kinematic eqns. falling bodies)
    2. Two dimensional kinematics
      1. Projectile motion
      2. Circular motion (optional)
  3. Dynamics
    1. Newton’s laws of motion (force)
      1. Gravity - weight
      2. Friction
    2. Centripetal force (optional)
  4. Work and Energy
    1. Physical definition of work
    2. Kinetic and potential energy
    3. Conservation of energy, work-energy theorem
  5. Linear Momentum
    1. Impulse
    2. Conservation of linear momentum
      1. One dimension
      2. Two dimensions
    3. Ellastic and inelastic collisions
  6. Rotational Motion (optional)
    1. Kinematics
    2. Dynamics
    3. Angular momentum
    4. Rotational work and energy
  7. Heat
    1. Temperature and temperature scales
    2. Heat and energy
    3. Heat transfer
    4. Heat effects
    5. Laws of thermodynamics
  8. States of Matter
    1. Gases
      1. Macroscopic description - gas laws
      2. Microscopic description - kinetic theory of gases
    2. Liquids
      1. Hydrostatics - Pascal’s, Archimedes’ principles
      2. Hydrodynamics - Bernoulli’s Principle, continuity
    3. Solids (optional)
      1. Elasticity - Hooke’s law
      2. Simple harmonic motion
  9. Waves and Sound
    1. Wave description, model, equations
    2. Wave behavior, propagation, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, polarization
    3. Sound characteristics and spectrum
    4. Wave intensity and intensity level
    5. Standing waves in strings and pipes
    6. Doppler effect


Effective Term:
Fall 2022