Villanova Universityfall 2012Physics Department

Villanova UniversityFall 2012Physics Department

Physics 1100 - 01, 02, 03, 04,SyllabusProf. M. J. Hones

• TEXT:Principles of Physics , Vol 1, Fourth Edition, by Serway and Jewett, ISBN # 0-534-49144-8

• Course Content: In this first semester of general physics, the main topics will be kinematics, mechanics, wave motion, and fluids (time permitting). Calculus will be used for the derivation of certain relationships. Mathematical relationships between physical observables are expressed algebraically so that knowledge of calculus beyond the Math - 1315 level is not required. Emphasis will be placed on the application of physical principles to the solution of practical problems. The methodology of problem solving will be stressed. The assigned problems represent a minimum of expected work. You are encouraged to try other problems.

It is assumed that the student has a good working knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus. Those with inadequate background should arrange for an appointment with the instructor as soon as possible.

• Attendance and Responsibilities: Regular attendance is essential if the student is to keep pace with the course. Students are encouraged to take notes and ask questions at any time during a regular lecture or recitation. They are urged to seek the instructor's help during the posted office hours, or at any other mutually convenient time. It is also expected that students will bring the text to lecture and especially to recitation.

Physics is not an easy subject to learn, and a few days of preparation just before a test may not be sufficient. Students are expected to read the material in the textbook ahead of time and on a daily basis. It is virtually impossible to attain good grades by playing "catch-up physics" just prior to each test.

Honesty is expected, and failure to maintain the code of ethics as outlined in the University Policy on Academic Integrity may result in subsequent failure of the course.

• Examinations and Grading Policy: There will be three tests given during the semester on the dates below. Each test is worth 100 points and the material for each test is tentative. The final exam will be cumulative and will count 150 points. There will be quizzes given during recitation for a total of 100 points. They will be graded on a 0, 5, or 10 point basis. There will be no partial credit on these quizzes.For those who miss an exam for a legitimate reason, the final exam will be scaled to count for the missed exam. There will be no make-up exam.

The overall class average, based upon a total of 550 points, will determine the cutoff between a C+ and a B-and final grades will be determined accordingly. If your final exam score, on a percentage basis, is higher than your worst exam during the semester, then it will be averaged with this lowest score and used to replace it.

In grading, particular attention will be given to the work done and the evidence of the thought behind it. An isolated numerical answer, even if correct or the mere transcription of a listed formula will not be credited. A sheet listing equations given in the text book for the chapters being covered will be provided with each set of exam questions. Numerical values of constants and conversion factors will also be listed. The student must know the meaning of the symbols since they will not be defined on this supplementary sheet.

• Academic Goals: By the completion of the first semester of this course you should have acquired an introductory knowledge of classical mechanics. In addition to this you should have developed your problem-solving skills, and your ability to apply these skills to problems in other areas of science. The analytical skills you develop in this course will have wide ranging application in your future professional development. You may forget everything you learn in this physics course but hopefully you will retain the ability to deconstruct a problem, analyze what is given and what is unknown, then reconstruct the problem, and finally develop its solution.

• Review Problems: Samples of old tests will be available. I will email them to you at least one week prior to the exam. It must be emphasized that the assigned homework problems are the basis upon which you are to build your problem-solving abilities. These review problems more accurately represent the level of expectation for test questions. They are samples of exams given in previous years!

• Tutors: A list of tutors will be available in the Physics office (M 347). This tutoring service will be free of charge.

• Tests:Week of: Oct. 1Test OneChap. 1 - 5

" "Nov. 5Test TwoChap. 6 - 8

" "Dec. 3Test ThreeChap. 10, 12, 13, 14

• Performance Contract:Available upon request is a performance contract. You are not obliged to sign this contract. It is a formal agreement, freely entered into, which, if fulfilled, will guarantee that you will receive at least a passing grade in this course. If you choose to enter into this agreement, you must return the signed contract to the instructor by 4:00 PM Wednesday September 12, 2012. No contracts will be accepted late!

• Tentative Lecture (L) and Recitation (R) Schedule

N.B.On 9/6 and 9/7recitations will be held in M 101 at 10:30. For those who have a conflict, arrangements will be made.

• Problem Assignments:

CH 1 – 38, 40, 41, 42, 45, 47, 48, 67: CH 2 – 10, 17, 19, 20, 21, 25, 29, 31, 32, 33, 41, 43, 47, 48, 49:

CH 3 – 7, 9, 12, 15, 17, 19, 25, 28, 29, 31, 43, 49: CH 4 – 7, 13, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 35a,b, 36, 37, 44, 54: CH 5 – 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 19, 20, 21, 41: CH 6 -1, 8, 13, 15, 17, 21, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 53:

CH 7 – 2, 8, 9, 10, 17, 23, 25, 28, 51, 53, 54: CH 8 – 9, 11, 13, 17, 21, 24, 27, 30, 31, 48: Ch 10 – handout:

CH 12 – 2, 3, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 23, 48, 50, 51: CH 13 – 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 21, 23, 33, 35, 36, 37, 59:

CH 14 – 12, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 33, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41: CH 15 – 5, 11, 19, 21, 23, 27, 31, 34, 42, 56.

• Recitations: Students will be asked on a voluntary basis to do problems at the blackboard. A record will be kept of this and will be used to decide "border-line" cases in the determination of the final grade. Quizzes will also be given during recitation. Questions are welcome in both the lecture and the recitation. Physics is difficult so do not hesitate to seek assistance at any time. Remember that these assigned problems from the text are the basis for the development of your problem-solving ability. The review problems will not be useful to you if you do not study these problems first.

Office Hours: T 10:00 - 11:00, W 1:30 – 2:30, F 2:30 – 4:30; other times by appointment. My office is M 367C or SAC 123, my extension is 94885 and my email is .