Nanyang Technological University

Division of Physics and Applied Physics

Academic Year 2020/21 Semester 1

Course Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Elbert Chia
Asst. Prof Justin Song
Course Code PH1104 / PH114S1
Course Title Mechanics
Pre-requisites Physics and Mathematics at A or H2 level, or equivalents
No of AUs 3 AU
Contact Hours PH1104 (2 hr – lecture; 1 hr – tutorial)
Proposal Date 3 March 2020

Course Aims

This course aims to equip you with the basic concepts and problem solving skills in Mechanics. You will
develop physical intuition and analytical skills which are important for studying physical systems and solve
problems involving mechanical systems. These knowledge and skills lay the foundation for subsequent
higher level courses.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

Upon the successful completion of this course, you (as a student) would be able to:

Linear Motion & Dynamics (LIN) :

1. perform basic vector operations (such as scalar and vector products, component addition and
decomposition) and solve problems involving vector quantities.
2. analyse and solve 1D and 2D kinematics problems (such as projectile motion).
3. analyse problems involving non-constant accelerations using basic calculus.
4. analyse graphs relating to the motion of objects (such as displacement-time, velocity-time and
acceleration-time graphs).
5. apply Newton’s laws of motion to analyse the effects of forces acting on a system of objects in
1D and 2D.
6. analyse the effects of air resistance and frictional forces on the motion of objects.
7. apply the work-energy relation and conservation of energy to evaluate problems involving linear
mechanics.
8. derive the impulse-momentum relation, conservation of linear momentum and use them to
analyse and solve collision, explosion, mass flow related problems.

Rotational/Circular Motion & Dynamics (ROT) :

9. analyse and solve circular motion problems for point objects and rotational motion problems for
rigid bodies.
10. determine the centre of mass, moment of inertia of objects of simple geometry and solve problems
related to static equilibrium and rotational motion.
11. apply Newton’s laws of motion to analyse the effects of torque acting on a system of objects in
rotational motion.
12. analyse and solve oblique collision problems using conservation of angular momentum.
13. analyse and solve advanced problems relating translational motion and rotational motion in
rolling.
14. apply Newton’s law of gravitation and rotational kinematics to analyse and solve problems.

Course Content

Linear Motion & Dynamics (LIN) :

Vectors
Vector Decomposition
Vector Addition

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PH114S is a self-paced version of the course

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Nanyang Technological University
Division of Physics and Applied Physics

Scalar Product (Dot Product)

Vector Product (Cross Product)

1D and 2D Kinematics
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Work, Energy and Power
Conservation of Energy
Linear Kinetic Energy
Impulse and Momentum
Conservation of Linear Momentum

Rotational/Circular Motion & Dynamics (ROT) :

Circular Motion
Rotational Kinematics
Moment of Inertia
Rotational Dynamics
Center of Mass
Rotational Kinetic Energy
Conservation of Angular Momentum
Rolling with Slipping
Rolling without Slipping

Gravitational Force
Gravitational Potential Energy

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Division of Physics and Applied Physics

Assessment (includes both continuous and summative assessment)

Component Course LO Related Weighting Team / Assessment

Tested Programme LO or Individual Rubrics
Graduate
Attributes
1. Final All Competence Individual Point-based
Examination (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) marking (not
rubric-based) and
Creativity Open-ended
(1, 2) 60% marking scheme*

Communication
(1, 2)

2. CA1: All Competence Individual Point-based

Mastering (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) marking (not
Physics rubric-based)
online Creativity Using Mastering
assignments (1, 2) 20% Physics

Communication
(1, 2)

3. CA2: LIN 1-4 Competence Individual Point-based

Quiz 1 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) marking (not
rubric-based)
5%
Communication
(1, 2)

4. CA3: LIN 2-7 Competence Individual Point-based

Quiz 2 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) marking (not
rubric-based) and
Creativity Open-ended
(1, 2) 5% marking scheme*

Communication
(1, 2)

5. CA4: LIN 8, Competence Individual Point-based

Quiz 3 ROT 9-11 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) marking (not
rubric-based)
5%
Communication
(1, 2)

6. CA5: ROT 9-13 Competence Individual Point-based

Quiz 4 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) marking (not
rubric-based) and
Creativity Open-ended
(1, 2) marking scheme*
5%
Communication
(1, 2)

Total 100%

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Division of Physics and Applied Physics

*You would be expected to synthesise the physics concepts learnt in the course to propose scientifically
valid approaches to given situations or problems.

Formative feedback

You will receive formative feedback is given through discussion within tutorial lessons as well as
interactive, computer- based hints and pointers in the Mastering Physics online assignment and resource
system.

Formative feedback is also given via the student response application Clickers (ResponseWare) where
you are required to answer on your mobile devices questions posted during lecture/tutorial. Feedback is
always provided for your response to each question.

Finally, feedback is also given after each Quiz on the common mistakes and level of difficulty of the
problems. Past Quiz questions are also made available for you.

Learning and Teaching approach

Approach How does this approach support students in achieving the learning
outcomes?

Problem solving Develop competence and perseverance in solving physics problems with
(MasteringPhysics) immediate learning feedback

Problem solving Develop competence and perseverance in solving physics problems

(tutorial and lecture)

Peer Instruction Develop communication skills and competence in physics.

(during lecture) You are encouraged to discuss their answers to the Clickers questions
so that they can learn from one another.

Reading and References

1. University Physics with Modern Physics, 14th Edition, Hugh Young and Roger Freedman,
Pearson (2015). ISBN 13: 9780321973610
2. Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 8th Edition, R A Serway and J W Jewett Jr, Brooks
Cole (2009). ISBN 13: 9780495112457

Course Policies and Student Responsibilities

Absence Due to Medical or Other Reasons
If you are sick and unable to attend your class / Mid-terms, you have to:

1. Send an email to the instructor regarding the absence and request for a replacement class and
make-up mid-terms.
2. Submit the original Medical Certificate* or official letter of excuse to administrator.
3. Attend the assigned replacement class (subject to availability) and make-up mid-terms.

* The medical certificate mentioned above should be issued in Singapore by a medical practitioner
registered with the Singapore Medical Association.

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Division of Physics and Applied Physics

Academic Integrity

Good academic work depends on honesty and ethical behaviour. The quality of your work as a
student relies on adhering to the principles of academic integrity and to the NTU Honour Code, a set
of values shared by the whole university community. Truth, Trust and Justice are at the core of
NTU’s shared values.

As a student, it is important that you recognize your responsibilities in understanding and applying
the principles of academic integrity in all the work you do at NTU. Not knowing what is involved in
maintaining academic integrity does not excuse academic dishonesty. You need to actively equip
yourself with strategies to avoid all forms of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, academic
fraud, collusion and cheating. If you are uncertain of the definitions of any of these terms, you should
go to the academic integrity website for more information. Consult your instructor(s) if you need any
clarification about the requirements of academic integrity in the course.

Course Instructors

Instructor Office Location Phone Email

Assoc. Prof. Elbert Chia SPMS-PAP-04-13 6513-8132 [email protected]
Asst. Prof. Justin Song SPMS-PAP-04-07 6513-7411 [email protected]

Planned Weekly Schedule

Week Topic Course LO Readings/ Activities

1 Introduction to LIN 1 Lectures, Tutorials,
course; Vectors Clickers
2 1D Kinematics LIN 2 (ResponseWare),
3 2D Kinematics LIN 2 Mastering Physics
4 Forces and LIN 3-4 online assignment
Newton’s laws of
Motion
5 Forces and LIN 5-6 Quiz 1
Newton’s laws of
Motion
6 Work, Energy and LIN 7 Lectures, Tutorials,
Power Clickers
(ResponseWare),
Mastering Physics
online assignment

7 Conservation of LIN 8 Quiz 2

Energy
8 Impulse- LIN 8 Lectures, Tutorials,
Momentum; Clickers
Conservation of (ResponseWare),
Momentum Mastering Physics
online assignment
9 Impulse- LIN 8 Quiz 3
Momentum;
Conservation of
Momentum
10 Rotational ROT 9 Lectures, Tutorials,
Kinematics; Clickers
Moment of Inertia (ResponseWare),
11 Rotational ROT 10-11 Mastering Physics
Dynamics online assignment

12 Rotational ROT 12-13 Quiz 4

Dynamics

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Nanyang Technological University
Division of Physics and Applied Physics

13 Gravitation ROT 14 Lectures, Tutorials,

Clickers
(ResponseWare),
Mastering Physics
online assignment

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Division of Physics and Applied Physics

Graduate Attributes
What we want our graduates from Physics and Applied Physics to be able to do:

Upon the successful completion of the PHY, APHY and PHMA programs, graduates should
be able to:

demonstrate a rigorous understanding of the core theories

and principles of physics involving (but not limited to) areas
such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal
physics and quantum mechanics
1
[PHMA only] demonstrate a rigorous understanding of the
core theories and principles of mathematical sciences
involving (but not limited to) areas such as analysis, algebra
and statistical analysis

read and understand undergraduate level physics content

2
independently;

make educated guesses / estimations of physical quantities in

3
general;
Competency
apply fundamental physics knowledge, logical reasoning,
4 mathematical and computational skills to analyse, model and
solve problems;

develop theoretical descriptions of physical phenomena with

5 an understanding of the underlying assumptions and
limitations;

critically evaluate and distinguish sources of scientific/non-

6 scientific information and to recommend appropriate decisions
and choices when needed;

demonstrate the ability to design and conduct experiments in

7 a Physics laboratory, to make measurements, analyse and
interpret data to draw valid conclusions.

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Division of Physics and Applied Physics

propose valid approaches to tackle open-ended problems in

1
unexplored domains;
Creativity
offer valid alternative perspectives/approaches to a given
2
situation or problem.

describe physical phenomena with scientifically sound

1
principles;

communicate (in writing and speaking) scientific and non-

Communication 2 scientific ideas effectively to professional scientists and to the
general public;

communicate effectively with team members when working

3
in a group.

uphold absolute integrity when conducting scientific

1
experiments, reporting and using the scientific results;

readily pick up new skills, particularly technology related

Character 2
ones, to tackle new problems;

contribute as a valued team member when working in a

3
group.

put together the skills and knowledge into their work in an

Civic Mindedness 1 effective, responsible and ethical manner for the benefits of
society.