Dec 22, 2024  
2023-2024 Official General Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]

PHY 181 - Physics for Engineers & Scientists I


Engineering Physics, sometimes called “University Physics,” uses calculus in the development of principles.  The topics include the description of motion and the causes of motion, with the ideas of force, energy, power, and momentum; equilibrium and rotation; and heat and its effects.  This course is designed for students studying engineering, computing, science, or mathematics.  Laboratory experiences will provide you with problem solving techniques, measurement skills and applications of theory.  It is recommended that students have a general understanding of physics concepts before entering this course.

Prerequisite- Corequisite
Prerequisite:  MAT 181 Calculus I, its equivalent or higher

 

Credits: 4
Hours
3 Class Hours, 3 Laboratory Hours
Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate scientific reasoning applied to the natural world, including an understanding of the methods scientists use to explore natural phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and employment of data analysis or mathematical modeling; and application of scientific data, concepts, and models in Physics.
  2. Write and solve algebraic motion (Newton’s laws of motion) problems.
  3. Compute vector sums, scalar products, and vector cross products.
  4. Use energy and work-energy principle to solve mechanics problems with constant and position-dependent forces.
  5. Solve problems involving the equilibrium of forces and torques using simultaneous equations.
  6. Solve problems involving gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and elastic potential energy, and conservation of total mechanical energy.
  7. Solve projectile and circular motions, using elementary differential and integral calculus.
  8. Solve problems involving thermal equilibrium and heat transfer.