PH 121 Applied Physics

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Credits: 4

Covers fundamental principles, concepts, and applications of work, energy, and power; basic machines; and straight line and rotary motion. Uses vectors to analyze and solve problems. Provides demonstrations and experiments to clarify physics principles and procedures.

Prerequisite: Placement into MTH 081 (or higher, except MTH 098); or completion of MTH 081 (or higher, except MTH 098 and MTH 105Z) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Explain the fundamental principles and concepts of mechanics.
Solve basic problems involving motion, work, energy, vectors, and rotational motion.
State and apply Newton’s three laws of motion.
Explain the principles of various simple and compound machines.
Relate the applications of mechanics to industrial and technical fields.

Content Outline

Vectors
- Vector quantities and scalar quantities
- Solution of vector problems
  - Review of notation
    - Polar coordinates
    - Complex coordinates
    - Calculator methods
    - Free body diagrams
  - Composition of vectors
    - Summation of parallel vector quantities
    - Resolution of vector quantities
      - Summation of components
      - Use of the law of sines and cosines
- Conditions of equilibriumRotational and translation equilibrium
  - The moment arm
    - The moment
    - Solution - center of gravity through summation of forces
    - Loads in structural members
Kinematics - Force and Motion
- Uniform motion
  - Velocity
  - Acceleration - independent
  - Ballistics - motion in two directions
- Relationship of force and motion - Newton’s Laws
  - The first and second laws
  - The third law
Work Power and Energy
- Work
  - Concept of work
  - Units of work
- Energy
  - Classification of energy
    - Kinetic energy
    - Potential energy
  - Conservation of energy
    - Transformation of energy
    - The law of conservation of energy
    - Energy - balance as a method of solution of problems
- Momentum
  - Momentum of uniform motion
  - Impulse momentum
  - Law of Conservation of momentum
- Friction
  - Types of friction
    - Static
    - Sliding
    - Rolling
  - Solution of friction problems by summation of forces
- Power
  - Concept of power
  - Units of power
    - Absolute power
    - Relative power - horsepower
  - Efficiency and mechanical advantage
Machines
- Mechanical efficiency of simple machines
  - Lever
  - Inclined plane
  - Screw
  - Pulleys
  - Wheel and axle
  - Gears
- Systems of simple machines
  - Advantage of combining two or more simple machines into a single system
  - Mathematical analysis of a system of simple machines
Angular Vectors
- Angular motion
  - Angular momentum
  - Uniform angular velocity
  - Angular distance
  - Angular acceleration
- Torque
  - Units of torque
  - Measurement of torque
- Power transmission
- Angular forces
  - Centripetal
  - Centrifugal