Discipline: Physics Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Physics 4A


COURSE DESCRIPTION
4A Mechanics Units: 4.00
 
Prerequisite(s): None.

Co-Requisite(s): MAT 1A
Examines elementary mechanics, vectors, motion, particle dynamics, work and energy, conservation of energy and momentum, rotation, oscillations, gravitation, and fluid dynamics. 54 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
The study of the mathematical laws describing the effects of forces on bodies and fluids.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Explain the concepts of kinematics, sucha as velocity, displacement
      and acceleration, and their relationships to each other.

2.   Determine the forces and torques acting on an object and
      determine the motion of an object through application of the Laws
      of Motion.

3.   Explain the concepts of conservation of energy and conservation of
      momentum, and use each to solve problems in mechanics.

4.   Apply the definitions of oscillatory and wave motion to construct
      solutions to problems.

5.   Apply the methods of Newtionian mechanics to solve problems
      relating to extended objects in static equilibrium; and define
      stress, strain and elastic modulus.

6.   Define Newton's Law of gravity and the related gravitational
      potential energy function and apply the metjods of Newtonian
      mechanics to analyze systems in the contect of Newton's law of
      gravitation.

7.   Perform simple physical experiments that relate to the subject
      matter of the course; and analyze and interpret data collected in
      such experiments.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. Units, physical quantities and vectors
  2. Motion along a straight line
  3. Motion in two or three dimensions
  4. Newton's law of motion
  5. Applications of Newton's laws of motion
  6. Work and kinetic energy
  7. Potential energy and energy conservation
  8. Momentum, impulse and collisions
  9. Rotation and rigid bodies
  10. Dynamics of rotational motion
  11. Equilibrium and elasticity
  12. Gravitation
  13. Periodic motion
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Present class lectures in order to explain concepts and illustrate how to solve problems by relating concepts.
  • Present class demonstrations to reinforce understading of the concepts explained in lecture.
  • Arrange class discussions to allow students to work together to solve problems.
  • Develope class exercises which encourgae students to help each other develop problem solving ability.
  • Develop web based assignments and materials to assist students with homework and reinforce their understanding of material presented in lecture.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Quizzes and examinations which allow students to demonstrate their individual ability to solve problems using concepts presented in lecture.
  • Homework assignments to be completed outside of class by individual students or as groups, which allow students to demonstrate their ability to work together to enhance learning.
  • Written reports of laboratory activities, including measured and analyzed data, which will allow students to demonstrate their ability to apply concepts presented in lecture.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

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