PHSCS 121

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Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics

Physics and Astronomy College of Computational, Mathematical, & Physical Sciences

Course Description

Linear, circular, and projectile motion; their prediction from forces and torques. Conservation of energy and momentum. Weekly lab.

When Taught

Fall, Winter, Spring

Min

3

Fixed/Max

3

Fixed

3

Fixed

1

Other Prerequisites

Calculus or concurrent enrollment.

Note

Also offered by BYU Independent Study; enroll anytime throughout year; one year to complete; additional tuition required; register at is.byu.edu.

Title

Units and Significant Figures

Learning Outcome

Convert quantities from one set of units to another and use a reasonable number of significant digits when expressing answers.

Title

Motion of a Particle

Learning Outcome

Interpret and draw motion diagrams including "blinking light' diagrams, x(t), v(t), a(t), and y(x) plots. Understand what time derivatives mean and how to estimate time derivatives from the information in these diagrams. Compute a particle's classical translational motion in one or two dimensions, including circular motion, both in Cartesian coordinates and in polar coordinates.

Title

Energy and Momentum

Learning Outcome

Use the ideas of energy, work, power, linear momentum, impulse, and angular momentum to arrive at conclusions about the motion of a system, including systems in which collisions occur.

Title

Newton's Second Law

Learning Outcome

  Use Newton's Second Law to calculate the motion of objects, both in translation and rotation, and also those in simple harmonic motion, as well as the forces and torques acting on systems in equilibrium. Also use Newton's inverse-square law of gravity to calculate how objects move.

Title

Scientific Process

Learning Outcome

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic scientific principles that undergird the scientific process, including the strengths and weaknesses of this process.