General Physics I - Mechanics 1200-1GENPHM1

The course will consist of 30 lecture hours crafted to introduce the fundamentals of classical mechanics. We will use calculus based methods, e.g., relevant equations of motion together with the corresponding differentials and integrals. Prerequisites are high school mechanics as well as high school calculus, algebra and trigonometry. The course will start with introduction of the basic motion in 1 dimension (1D), then proceed into solving the equations of motion in 2D and 3D, including circular motion. Corresponding mathematical developments will include solving equations of motion for scalars and vectors. Next, we will cover the Newton’s laws of motion. Then, we will introduce the concepts of friction. Next, we will introduce and discuss mechanical work, kinetic energy and potential energy to culminate into the law of energy conservation. Then, we will introduce the concept of the center of mass, momentum and the law momentum conservation. Then, we will discuss collisions of point-like objects with emphasis on the laws of conservation of momentum and energy. Then, we will move into rotational motion of a rigid body, introduce the concepts of torque, rolling motion, angular momentum, and finally the law of conservation of angular momentum. Next, we will discuss the conditions of static equilibrium for rigid body and the universal law of gravity. We will cover basic concepts in fluid statics and fluid dynamics. We will discuss periodic motion, simple harmonic motion, and pendulums. Finally, we will derive and discuss the equations for mechanical waves together with some applications of those equations.

The course will consist of 30 recitations hours covering the foundations of classical mechanics. We will use and learn how to use calculus based methods, e.g., to describe relevant equations of motion together with the corresponding differentials and integrals. The course will teach how to solve physics problems describing:
• Motion in 1 dimension (1D), 2D and 3D, including circular motion.
• The Newton’s laws of motion.
• Frictional forces opposing motion.
• Mechanical work, kinetic energy and potential energy. The law of energy conservation.
• Center of mass, momentum and the law of momentum conservation.
• Collisions of point-like objects with emphasis on the laws of conservation of momentum and energy.
• Rotational motion of a rigid body, torque, rolling motion, angular momentum. The law of conservation of angular momentum.
• Static equilibrium for rigid body.
• The universal law of gravity.
• Fluid statics and fluid dynamics.
• Periodic motion, simple harmonic motion, pendulums.
• Mechanical waves.

In order to provide better understanding of the taught material, new pedagogical techniques, such as Peer Instruction with iClickers, will be introduced.