PHYS 131
Introduction to Mechanics
Fall 2012
Division III
Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
This is not the current course catalog
Class Details
We focus first on the Newtonian mechanics of point particles: the relationship between velocity, acceleration, and position; the puzzle of circular motion; forces; Newton’s laws; energy and momentum; and gravitation. The physics of rotations and vibrations will also be discussed. We finally turn to the basic properties of waves, such as interference and refraction, as exemplified with sound and light waves. We also study optics of lenses and mirrors. This course is intended for students who have not studied physics before, or who have had some physics, but are not comfortable solving “word problems” that require calculus.
The Class:
Format: lecture, three hours per week; laboratory, three hours every other week
Limit: none
Expected: 60
Class#: 1212
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Limit: none
Expected: 60
Class#: 1212
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation:
evaluation will be based on exams, labs, and weekly problem sets, all of which have a substantial quantitative component
Prerequisites:
Mathematics 103; students who scored 4 or 5 on the AP Physics B exam or on the AP Physics C (mechanics) exam, or 6 or 7 on the IB Physics HL exam may not take this course and are encouraged to take Physics 141 instead
Unit Notes:
Physics 131 can lead to either Physics 132 (for students wanting a one-year survey of physics) or Physics 142 (for students considering a physics or astrophysics major)
Distributions:
Division III
Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
Class Grid
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HEADERS
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CLASSESColumn header 2DREQColumn header 3INSTRUCTORSColumn header 4TIMESColumn header 5CLASS#
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PHYS 131 - 01 (F) LEC Introduction to Mechanics
PHYS 131 - 01 (F) LEC Introduction to MechanicsDivision III Quantitative/Formal ReasoningMWF 11:00 am - 11:50 am
Physics 2031212
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