Classroom time will be divided between the multimedia presentation and discussion of concepts in mechanics on the one hand and the application of these concepts in problem solving on the other, with the majority of time devoted to the latter. Problems involving the mechanics of musculoskeletal structures of the upper and lower limbs will be presented as applications of linear and rotational mechanics to the human body. The laboratory program will involve weekly, three hour sessions during which students will perform a set number of experiments.
Mechanics
- Vector algebra
- Velocity and acceleration
- Uniformly accelerated motion in one dimension
- Projectile motion
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Friction
- Principles of equilibrium
- Work and energy
- Linear momentum and collisions
- Circular motion kinematics
- Centripetal force
- Rotational dynamics
Properties of Matter & Waves
- Hooke’s law
- Simple harmonic motion
- Mechanical wave characteristics
- Standing waves
- Sound wave intensity
- Doppler effect
Laboratory experiments
- Composition of Forces/Static Equilibrium
- Uniformly Accelerated Motion
- Projectile Motion
- Simple Pendulum/Determination of Gravitational Acceleration
- Friction
- Collisions
- Orbital Motion and Centripetal Force
- Moment of Inertia
- Hooke’s Law and Simple Harmonic Motion
- Standing Traverse Waves
- Resonant Air Columns/Speed of Sound in Air
Identify the following mechanical quantities and their units:
- displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, mass, weight, friction, torque, work, translational kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, power, linear momentum, impulse, angular displacement, angular velocity, angular acceleration, moment of inertia, rotational kinetic energy, angular momentum, amplitude of motion, period of motion, frequency, spring potential energy, wavelength, wave intensity, intensity level.
Demonstrate an understanding of the following concepts, procedures, and principles of mechanics through the solution of problems:
- vector addition/subtraction via components
- average velocity and instantaneous velocity
- average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration
- uniformly accelerated motion
- free-fall motion
- Newton’s laws of motion
- friction and coefficient of friction
- conditions for equilibrium
- work-energy theorem
- conservation of mechanical energy
- conservation of energy
- conservation of linear momentum
- centripetal acceleration and force
- rolling motion
- conservation of angular momentum
- Hooke’s law for springs
- simple harmonic motion
- wave parameters
- superposition principle
- resonance
- intensity level versus intensity of sound
- Doppler effect
Perform laboratory experiments and analyze the data obtained using appropriate graphing techniques, scientific notation, significant figures, and experimental uncertainty consideration.
Write a laboratory report in a conventional format required of submissions to scientific journals.
The selection of evaluation tools for this course is based upon:
- Adherence to college evaluation policy regarding number and weighing of evaluations, for example a course of three credits or more should have at least three separate evaluations.
- A developmental approach to evaluation that is sequenced and progressive.
- Evaluation is used as a teaching tool for both students and instructors.
- Commitment to student participation in evaluation through such processes as self and peer evaluation, and program/ instructor evaluation.
The following is presented as an example assessment format for this course:
- final examination – minimum 30% / maximum of 40%
- at least two tests administered during the semester – minimum 40% / maximum of 50%; and
- submitted laboratory reports – 20%
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
Will be decided by course instructors. Potential resources include:
- Cutnell, J.D. and Johnson, K.W. (2006). Physics, Seventh Edition, John Wiley & Sons Publishers, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Douglas College, Physics 1107 Laboratory Experiments.
B.C. Principles of Math 12 (C or higher) and either Physics 11 (C or higher) or PHYS 1104