General Physics I - First Semester Review

First Semester Lecture Notes

• Course: General Physics I – PHYS 111
• Session: 2023/2024
• Instructor: [Not specified]
• Date: November 2023

Course Objectives

• Introductory physics course for students across disciplines
• Introduces physical phenomena and principles (Newtonian mechanics and thermodynamics).
• Develops problem-solving and mathematical skills.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Equip students with foundational knowledge and skills for further study.
• Enable application of the scientific method for investigation.
• Foster understanding and application of physics in everyday life.
• Improve communication skills within the scientific community.
• Establish safe and effective equipment handling practices.

Detailed Content

• Unit I – Introduction to Physics:

  • Concepts of physics, its relationship with other subjects, and applications in real life.

• Unit II – Measurements and Quantities:

  • Measurement concepts in real life, fundamental and derived quantities.
  • Systems of measurement and units (SI units).
  • Measurement of length, time, and mass.
  • Principle of venire, dimensional analysis, significant figures, and unit conversions.

• Unit III – Particle Kinematics:

  • Definitions of motion and types
  • Rectilinear motion parameters, graphical representation of motion.
  • Equations of uniformly accelerated motion, vertical motion, relative motion, and two-dimensional kinematics.

• Unit IV – Dynamics – Forces and Motion:

  • Definitions of force, categories, and types
  • Newton's Laws of Motion.
  • Linear Impulse and Momentum
  • Conservation of Linear Momentum for a System of Particles.
  • Applications of Newton's Laws

• Unit V – Force and Equilibrium:

  • Concepts of equilibrium and types
  • Conditions of equilibrium (parallel and non-parallel)
  • Center of gravity, center of mass, and applications,
  • Equilibrium and limb movement, stability, and equilibrium.

• Unit VI – Work, Energy, and Power:

  • Work of a force, principle of work and energy, principle of work and energy for a system of particles.
  • Energy resources, conversion, power, and efficiency, conservative forces, and potential energy.
  • Conservation of energy

• Unit VII – Curvilinear Motion:

  • Definition and motion parameters of Curvilinear Motion
  • Tangential Components of Curvilinear Motion
  • Equations of uniform motion.
  • Examples including: conical pendulum, vertical circle motion, horizontal curve motion, and banking of curves.

• Unit VIII – Oscillatory Motion:

  • Basic oscillatory motion concepts
  • Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
  • Period and Frequency
  • Linear restoring forces
  • Simple harmonic motion graphs, simple pendulum, determination of gravitational intensity (g).

• Unit IX – Introduction to Thermal Physics:

  • Temperature and measurement (thermocouples).
  • Thermal expansion of solids and liquids.
  • Specific heat, latent heat, and ideal gas laws.
  • Absolute zero, heat transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation).

Assessment Methods

• Tests (20%)
• Assignments (10%)
• Practical/Field work (20%)
• Final Examination (50%)

Recommended Textbooks/References

• Cutnell, John, Johnson, Kenneth, Physics, 5th ed. 2001
• Yukon College, Physics 100 Laboratory Manual, 2017

This quiz covers key concepts and principles from General Physics I (PHYS 111) for the 2023/2024 semester. Students will explore topics like Newtonian mechanics and thermodynamics, along with measurements and quantities. Test your understanding of foundational physics principles and their real-life applications.