PHYS 131(F) Particles and Waves (Q)
We focus first on the Newtonian mechanics of point particles: the relationship between velocity, acceleration, and position; the puzzle of circular motion; forces; Newton's laws; energy and momentum; and gravitation. The physics of extended objects and of fluids also will be discussed briefly. We finally turn to the basic properties of waves, such as interference and polarization, with emphasis on light waves. This course is intended for students who have not studied physics before or who have had some physics, but are not comfortable solving "word problems" that require calculus. Students who scored 4 or 5 on the AP Physics B exam or on the AP Physics C (mechanics) exam, or 6 or 7 on the IB Physics HL exam may not take this course. These students and others with strong backgrounds in the sciences are encouraged to consider taking Physics 141 instead. Physics 131 can lead to either Physics 132 (for students wanting a one-year survey of physics) or Physics 142 (for students considering a physics or astrophysics major).
Format: lecture, three hours per week; laboratory, three hours every other week. Evaluation will be based on weekly problem sets, weekly quizzes, hour tests, labs, and a final exam, all of which have a substantial quantitative component.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 103. No enrollment limit (expected: 60).
Hour: STRAIT