Nov 21, 2024  
2024 - 2025 Catalog 
    
2024 - 2025 Catalog
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PHY 101 - Applied Physics

Credits: 4
Instructional Contact Hours: 6

Introduces the basic physical principles involving mechanics, fluids, heat, conservation of energy, electricity, and sound.

Prerequisite(s): High school GPA of 2.5 or higher within last ten years OR completion of MTH 095  or higher with "C" or higher OR completion of Guided Self-Placement process
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 60 Lab Hours: 30
Meets MTA Requirement: Natural Science Lab
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives  

  1. Solve general physics problems with mathematics.
    1. Solve problems using mathematics including algebraic and graphical analysis.
    2. Solve ratio reasoning problems both qualitatively and quantitatively.
    3. Demonstrate understanding of the nature of linear, quadratic, and the inverse square relationships.
    4. Use scientific notation and significant digits.
    5. Use the metric system and perform unit conversions.
    6. Describe the differences between a vector quantity and a scalar quantity.
    7. Identify vector quantities and scalar quantities.
  2. Describe aspects of Newtonian mechanics
    1. Solve kinematics questions/problems.
    2. Use the algebraic relationships between the physical quantities to solve mathematical problems of kinematics in one-dimension.
    3. Use a ruler and protractor to determine quantities associated with two-dimensional motion.
    4. State Newton's Three Laws of Motion.
    5. Use and apply Newton’s Laws to force problems in one-dimension.
    6. Analyze dynamics problems through creation of free body diagrams.
    7. Demonstrate understanding of the difference between mass and weight.
    8. Apply Newton’s Law of Gravitation to find the force that a celestial object exerts on another.
    9. Solve problems/questions using force, energy, power, and conservation laws.
    10. Demonstrate understanding of simple machines.
  3. Demonstrate understanding of aspects of electricity
    1. Demonstrate understanding of the qualitative aspects of the charge processes conduction, induction, and polarization.
    2. Demonstrate understanding of the nature of electric charge.
    3. Apply Coulomb’s Law to find the force that one charge exerts on another.
    4. Demonstrate understanding the terms of voltage, current, power, and resistance.
    5. Construct simple series or parallel resistor circuits.
    6. Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage of elements in a circuit.
    7. Demonstrate understanding of the differences of series and parallel resistors.
    8. Demonstrate understanding of the differences of connecting batteries in series or parallel.
  4. Demonstrate understanding of wave phenomena
    1. Use the concepts and apply the mathematical relationships for mechanical waves such as frequency, period, wavelength, and wave speed.
    2. Demonstrate understanding of the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves.
    3. Use the concepts and apply the mathematical relationship for the Doppler Effect as it relates to sound.
    4. Analyze standing wave modes of strings, open tubes, and tubes closed at one end.
    5. Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts relating to transmission and reflection of waves.
    6. Demonstrate understanding of the phase relationship of a wave upon transmission or reflection.
    7. Demonstrate understanding that wave speed and wavelength change upon transmission to a different medium while frequency is unchanged.
    8. Use the concepts and apply the mathematical relationship for intensity.
    9. Use the concepts and apply the mathematical relationships for electromagnetic waves.
    10. Apply knowledge of electromagnetic waves as it relates to the electromagnetic spectrum.
  5. Demonstrate laboratory skills.
    1. Perform measurements with appropriate devices.
    2. Use significant digits in calculations correctly.
    3. Analyze data from experiments to draw conclusions.
    4. Use technology associated with a science laboratory.
    5. Use appropriate safety protocols in the laboratory.
    6. Produce reports from experimental work.
    7. Demonstrate understanding of the scientific method.



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