BROOKHAVEN COLLEGE

Course Syllabus for General Physics 2425- Sec -2501 Fall-2010

Instructor: Dr. Rajasree Kannampuzha Ph.D

Contact info: e-mail [email protected] ( Please write PHYS-2425
BHC in the subject line)

Meeting Time and Place:

Lecture - . K-254 LEC MW 07:10PM 08:30PM
Lab - . K-251 LAB MW 08:40PM 10:00PM
semester is from 08/23/10 - 12/09/10

Office hours: By appointment (Please e-mail)

Catalog Description
This course is designed primarily for physics, chemistry, mathematics and engineering majors. The
principles and applications of mechanics, wave motion and sound are studied. Emphasis is on
fundamental concepts, problem solving, notation and units. The laboratory includes a one hour
problem session. This is a 4-credit hour course.

Prerequisite
Credit or concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 2513. Developmental Reading 0093 or English as a
Second Language (ESOL) 0044 or have met the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standard in Reading

Student Learning Outcomes

1. State the principles and laws of physics as they apply to mechanics, wave motion and
sound.

2. Identify and use relevant equations applicable to mechanics, wave motion and sound.

3. Apply the concepts learned to solve theoretical problems and explain phenomena in the
laboratory and in the outside world.

4. Perform laboratory experiments that illustrate important concepts and analyze the data
gathered using scientific principles.

5. Develop skills for analytical thinking that are useful for problem solving in physics and
other fields.

6. Participate in enrichment activities that lead to an appreciation of how physics has

developed, how physics affects other fields and the relevance of learning physics.

Required Materials: -
Text Book- Serway, Raymond A. and Jewett, John W.: Physics for Scientists & Engineers 7th
Edition
ISBN: 13: 9780495112457 Thomson- Brooks/Cole, 2008.
Optional: Gordon, John R., McGrew, Ralph V. & Serway, Raymond A.: Student Solutions Manual
and Study Guide Vol I ISBN: 0-495-11331X Thomson-Brooks/Cole, 2008.

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Lab Manual: : Sidhwa, Anahita F. Physics 1401/2425 Lab Experiments.Fourth Edition, Ron Jon
Publishing Inc.

You will also need: a scientific calculator (one that does trigonometric and logarithmic
functions, as well as scientific notation), graph paper, notebooks (for taking notes) and
SCANTRON for exam/quiz.

Core Curriculum Information

PHYS 2425 is included in the DCCCD Core Curriculum.

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop the Core Curriculum Intellectual
Competencies of reading, writing, listening, critical thinking and computer literacy. These are defined
as follows:

1. Reading: the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials, books, documents, and
articles, above 12th grade level.
2. Writing: the ability to produce clear, correct and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion and
audience, above 12th grade level.
3. Listening: the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.
4. Critical Thinking: the ability to apply qualitative and quantitative skills to evaluate arguments and
construct alternative strategies. Problem-solving is one of the applications of critical thinking.
5. Computer Literacy: to understand our technological society, use computer technology in
communication, solving problems and acquiring information.

The course also provides students with the opportunity to achieve the following Core Area Exemplary
Educational Objectives:
1. To understand and apply method and appropriate technology to the study of the natural sciences.
2. To recognize scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between these approaches and
the other methods of inquiry and to communicate findings, analyses and interpretation both orally and
in writing.
3. To identify and recognize the differences among competing scientific theories.
4. To demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing modern science, including
issues that touch upon ethics, values and public policies.
5. To demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and their influence on
and contribution to, modern culture.

Course Outline

The course is divided into 5 units.

Evaluation
Tests: There will be five tests during the semester. The first four tests will be taken in the testing
center. Students must follow the Brookhaven College code of student conduct at all times during the
course, and dishonesty will not be tolerated.

Final Exam & Test # 5: All students will take test # 5 in class on the day of the final exam. In addition,
students who wish to drop one of their test grades, must also take the final exam on the announced date.
The final exam will be graded for 100 points like the other tests.

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Lab experiments & Reports: There will be 12 experiments during the semester, each worth 25 points.
Making accurate measurements and recording and analyzing data will be required for the lab report.
Lab reports will be due as scheduled and late reports will not be accepted without permission.

Assignments: The schedule will contain assigned problems, questions and activities from the textbook
which will be due as scheduled. There may also be open-book problem-sessions in lab which may be
graded. Solving problems with understanding and confidence plays a vital role in Physics. Please plan
to spend lots of time on problem-solving as it is vital to your success.

Special Help
Please email me if you need help during the semester. Chaz Hafey is available for assistance with
problem-solving during the open lab/tutoring hours. His hours are posted in lab (K-251) and his office,
K-252. Tutoring is also available in K-255, during the posted hours.

Grading:
5 Tests (drop the lowest) – 500 points Homework - 10 points per chapter
Quiz - 10 points per quiz Lab - 300 points
Attendance/Participation- 50 points

Final letter grades assigned based on the above course grade are (subject to change):
A= 90-100, B=80-89, C= 70-79, D= 60-69, F=<59
Incomplete grades are given only when an unforeseen emergency prevents a student from completing
the course work. Division chairs must approve all "I" grades.

Withdrawal Policies
The deadline for withdrawing from this course with a W is November 11, 2010. If you do not file the
appropriate forms by that date, you will receive a performance grade which may be an "F."

Financial Aid Statement

Students who are receiving any form of financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office prior
to withdrawing from classes. Withdrawals may affect your eligibility to receive further aid and could
cause you to be in a position of repayment for the current semester. Students who fail to attend or
participate after the drop date are also subject to this policy.

Part I: Lecture/ Quizzes/ Exams

1. Read the assigned chapter and outline major concepts prior to each lecture period.

2. After each lecture, re-read the material covered and work the assigned homework
problems. You have to submit written solutions to the assigned homework problems for each
chapter at the first class period after ending the assigned chapter. Be sure to understand the
solution of the homework. Discussion of some homework problems can be done for one hour
in the Lab session as needed.

3. Quizzes are given in the class.

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4. Exams: Exams will be given almost every 3 chapters. Exams will consist of questions as
multiple choices, short answer/conceptual questions and problems.

Part II: Lab session

1. Each student is expected to read the assigned experiment prior to attending the Lab-class.

2. A scientific calculator, metric ruler, a compass, loose-leaf paper must be brought to each
Lab session.

3. During the Lab, group of 2 or 3 students could work together in data collection. Each
student is expected to participate within his group; lack of cooperation will affect your grade.
Remember Lab data may be shared within your group but you must answer the questions, write
the conclusion and draw graphs in the lab report in your own words. Copied work will not
receive credit.

4. Graph must be with appropriate scale on each axis, title, slope calculation, and the
equation represented the graph..

5. Lab Report: Each student should leave it on the instructor’s table in the assigned folder.
The lab report should be completed and turned in before leaving the lab.

The report should have your name, partners’ names, date, and title of the experiment,
objectives, equipment, data table, errors, units, graphs, calculation’s neat calculations and a
conclusion.

6. Checklist before leaving the Lab

Have the instructor check your data .sheet

Clean up the lab table and return all equipment properly to its location

7. Lab grades will be on a scale of 0 to 25, based on completeness, readability, and

correctness of the lab report AND on performance in the lab

8 All mathematical solutions for homework, Labs, and exams must include:
* All formula needed to solve the problem
* A circled answer including units.

Other Policies
1. Students are expected to attend class and lab regularly and complete tests and assignments on
time. . Attendance will be checked at each class. Exams, quizzes and laboratory experiments
cannot be made-up. In addition students are required to work in groups in the class on end
of the chapter questions packets, Lack of participation will affect your grade.

2. If you are a student with a disability and/or special needs who requires accommodations, please
contact the College Disability Services Office in S- 124.
3. If you will be absent due to a religious observance, please let your instructor know at the beginning
of the semester to make alternate arrangements.

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4. Scholastic dishonesty is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Scholastic dishonesty includes,
but is not limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. As a college student, you are
considered a responsible adult. Your enrollment indicates acceptance of the Dallas County Community
Colleges Code of Student Conduct published in the college catalog.

5. Effective Fall 2005, the Dallas County Community Colleges will charge additional tuition to
students registering the third or subsequent time for the same course since Fall 2002.

6. NO CELL PHONES and laptops in class, lab.

7. No food or drink in the classroom.

8. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus as necessary.

9. You cannot share/borrow calculator with other students for the exam/quiz. Cell phone cannot be used
as calculator.

NOTE: The guidelines in this syllabus are subject to change, deletion, or amendment at
the discretion of the instructor.

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COURSE CALENDAR

UNIT 1 Aug 23 – Sept 9 Introduction, Kinematics, Vectors, Chapters 1, 2, 3

Review for Unit 1

Sep 9-11 Test 1

UNIT 2 Sept 13 – Oct 6 2 – D Motion & Newton’s Laws Chapters 4, 5, 6

Review for Unit 2
Oct7-9 Test 2

UNIT 3 Oct 11-Oct27 Work, Energy, Momentum Chapters 7,8,9

Review for Unit 3
Oct28-30 Test 3

UNIT 4 Nov1-Nov 17 Circular Motion & Gravitation Chapters10,11,13

Review for Unit 4
Nov-18-20 Test 4

UNIT 5 Nov22- Dec8 Wave Motion & Sound Chapters 16, 17, 18
Review for Unit 5
Dec 8 Test 5 (in class)

LAB SCHEDULE
Aug-23 Lab Introduction
Aug30 Acceleration on an Inclined Plane (Lab 1)
Sep-8 Velocity & Acceleration (Lab 2)
Sep-13 Motion Graphs (Lab 3)
Sept-20 Projectile Motion (Lab 4)
Sep-27 Force Table (Lab 6)
Oct-4 Friction (Lab 8)
Oct- 11 Interconversions of Energy (Lab 9)
Oct-18 Conservation of Momentum (Lab 10)
Oct-25 Torques (Lab 7)
Nov-1 Moment of Inertia (Lab 13)
Nov-8 SHM (New Lab)
Nov15 Standing Waves in Strings (Lab 14)
Nov-29 Review or make up day for lab