PHYS 1041 - General Physics I

Credits: 5
Hours/Week: Lecture 4 Lab 2
Course Description: This is the first course in a sequence that introduces the topics of mechanics using the mathematical techniques of algebra and trigonometry. Students will investigate kinematics, forces, momentum, circular motion, work/energy, and rotational dynamics. The course is problem-based, focusing on quantitative analysis of physics problems. It includes a computer-based laboratory component in which students will collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course requires basic skills in trigonometric functions.
MnTC Goals
3 Natural Science

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into MATH 1061  or above, or completion of MATH 0070  or MATH 0090  or MATH 1015  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. Scalars and Vectors.
2. Circular Motion.
3. Describing Motion: Kinematics.
4. Momentum.
5. Newtons Laws of Motion.
6. Statics.
7. Work and Energy.
8. Rotational Dynamics.

1. Analyze one-and two dimensional motion in terms of the vector quantities of position, velocity and acceleration.
2. Analyze linear and circular motion of objects in terms of Newton¿s Laws of Force.
3. Solve problems involving the motion of objects within the framework of work and energy.
4. Examine collisions and similar phenomena using the ideas of momentum, vectors, and momentum conservation.
5. Analyze rotational motion of extended objects.
6. Synthesize the concepts of basic physics in order to develop solutions to a wide variety of problems involving the motion of objects.

03. 02. Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory, simulation, or field experiments in at least two of the natural science disciplines. One of these experimental components should develop, in greater depth, students’ laboratory experience in the collection of data, its statistical and graphical analysis, and an appreciation of its sources of error and uncertainty.

03. 03. Communicate their experimental findings, analyses, and interpretations both orally and in writing.

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