THE TEXTBOOK

Physics: Concepts and Connections, 5th edition
Art Hobson
Prentice Hall, 2010 (ISBN 978-0-321-66113-5)

This course introduces the student to concepts essential to understanding the underpinnings of modern technology. Topics include mechanics, energy, light, electricity, and magnetism, as well as an introduction to the concepts of atomic, relativity, and quantum theory.

See "Course policies" below for details on grading.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Explain where scientific knowledge comes from.
• Outline the atomic theory of matter.
• Describe Newtons's laws of motion and gravity.
• Describe the nature of energy and the laws of thermodynamics.
• Describe the nature of light, electricity, and magnetism.
• Outline relativity and quantum theory.
• Explain why the nature of the atomic nucleus makes it possible to release large amounts of energy.

Assessment will be by means of quizzes and exams as specified below.

Students should always read their assignments and come to class prepared to discuss and/or work on the material. Each student may be absent twice without penalty. Each additional two absences without a medical excuse (no others are acceptable) will cost the student three points on the course grade.

There will be 6 quizzes; the lowest will be dropped; the remaining 5 will count for 25% of the course grade. There will be 2 exams, each one counting 20% of the course grade. The final exam will count for 35% of the course grade. See the Course Schedule for details.


Students who plagiarize work will receive zeros for the work in question, with no makeup opportunities.

COURSE SCHEDULE

CAUTION: COURSE SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT WARNING!

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DATE	TOPIC	ASSIGNMENT
Tues Aug 27	The Way of Science and The Scientific Revolution	Read Chapter 1
Thurs Aug 29	Atoms, Molecules, and Chemistry	Read Chapter 2
Tues Sept 3	Review and Quiz #1
Thurs Sept 5	Asking the Right Questions	Read Chapter 3
Tues Sept 10	Force and Movement	Read Chapter 4, pp. 71-78
Thurs Sept 12	Gravity and Action/Reaction	Read Chapter 4, pp. 78-89
Tues Sept 17	Review and Quiz #2
Thurs Sept 19	Newton's Universe	Read Chapter 5
Tues Sept 24	Exam #1
Thurs Sept 26	Energy and Work	Read Chapter 6, pp. 118-124
Tues Oct 1	The First Law of Thermodynamics	Read Chapter 6, pp. 124-131
Thurs Oct 3	No Class--Prof has jury duty
Tues Oct 8	The Second Law of Thermodynamics	Read Chapter 7
Thurs Oct 10	Review and Quiz #3
Tues Oct 15	Columbus Day Observed
Thurs Oct 17	Electric Force and Electromagnetism	Read Chapter 8
Tues Oct 22	Waves and Light	Read Chapter 9, pp. 187-201
Thurs Oct 24	Electromagnetic Radiation and Global Warming	Read Chapter 9, pp. 201-220
Tues Oct 29	Review and Quiz #4
Thurs Oct 31	Special Theory of Relativity	Read Chapter 10
Tues Nov 5	Exam #2
Thurs Nov 7	General Theory of Relativity	Read Chapter 11, pp. 248-270
Tues Nov 12	Quantum Theory	Read Chapter 12
Thurs Nov 14	Review and Quiz #5
Tues Nov 19	Quantum Universe	Read Chapter 13
Thurs Nov 21	Radioactivity	Read Chapter 14
Tues Nov 26	Review and Quiz #6ioactivity
Thurs Nov 28	Thanksgiving
Tues Dec 3	Nuclear Fission and Fusion (no exam #3)	Read Chapter 15
Tues Dec 5	The Energy Challenge	Read Chapter 16
Mon Dec 9	FINAL EXAMS BEGIN
EXAM DAY	FINAL EXAM

Syllabus last modified March 27, 2013.