Physics 111

PHYS 111
General Physics

1. Catalog Entry

PHYS 111
General Physics

Credit hours (4)
Prerequisites: High school mathematics.

Vectors, mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, sound, light and selected topics in modern physics.

Note(s): General Education and Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning designated course.  Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 111:PHYS 112 AND PHYS 221:PHYS 222.


2. Detailed Description of Course

    1) Vector Arithmetic – Addition, subtraction and resolution of vectors in one and two dimensions
    2) Kinematics – Displacement, velocity, acceleration and the description of motion in one and two
       dimensions
    3) Linear dynamics – Newton’s Laws of Motion; friction; equilibrium; work, power, and energy; conservation
       of energy; momentum and conservation of momentum
    4) Thermodynamics – Temperature and temperature scales; heat as a form of energy; thermal expansion;
       specific heat; heat transfer mechanisms; the laws of thermodynamics
    5) Properties of materials – Stress, strain, Young’s Modulus, and Hooke’s Law
    6) Wave motion and sound – Simple harmonic motion; resonance; traverse and longitudinal waves and their
       properties; sound and the human ear

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Lectures are designed to introduce the student to concepts in physics and application of those concepts to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems. The instructor models problem solving behavior in working examples. Questions from the students are encouraged, both during the lecture presentation and the problem solving sessions. Problems assigned to the students and problems worked by the instructor are chosen, as often as possible, to illustrate technological applications of the principles involved. Issues raised by the interaction of science, technology and society are discussed extensively throughout the course.

Laboratory periods are devoted to the conduct of laboratory exercises designed to illustrate concepts and encourage active involvement of the students in the exercises. A laboratory manual is not used; exercises are described in handouts given out each week. Early exercises contain specific and detailed instructions on how to proceed with the activity. As the year progresses, instructions become less specific and students are expected to become more and more dependent on their own problem solving ability and their own creativity.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

    1) Students will acquire a knowledge base in physics as part of their professional preparation (chemistry
       and geology majors, students planning careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical  therapy, sports
       medicine).
    2) All students will develop the ability to think critically and to solve problems.
    3) All students will develop some level of understanding of the process of science - the ways in which
       scientific knowledge is produced and evaluated.
    4) All students will acquire a deeper understanding of the world around them.
    5) All students will become aware of the interactions between science, technology and society, and consider
       those interactions in a critical and thoughtful way.

Core Curriculum Objectives (Goal 6: Physical and Natural Sciences)

Radford University students will understand the methodologies of scientific inquiry, think critically about scientific problems, and apply principles of a scientific discipline to solve problems in the natural/physical world.
Radford University students will be able to:
    1) Distinguish between findings that are based upon empirical data and those that are not.
    2) Apply scientific principles within the context of a specific scientific discipline to solve real world problems.

5. Assessment Measures

Student progress is measured by periodic tests, a comprehensive final examination (Physics 111 only), weekly laboratory reports in which the students analyze experimental data and provide a written report of their work, and in informal observation of student's work during laboratory sessions and individual conferences. A homework problem is also assigned with each laboratory activity and is graded by the instructor or a laboratory assistant.

6. Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

September 2001

June 20, 2015

March 01, 2021