General Physics I - First Semester Review

Study Notes

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).