Fall 2024

Introductory Physics I: Mechanics

Listed in: Physics and Astronomy, as PHYS-116

Faculty

Ashley R. Carter (Sections 01, 01F, 02F and 03F)
Jonathan R. Friedman (Sections 01, 01F, 02F and 03F)

Description

This course will begin with a description of the motion of particles and introduce Newton’s dynamical laws and a number of important force laws. We will apply these laws to a wide range of problems to gain a better understanding of the laws and to demonstrate the generality of the framework. The important concepts of work, mechanical energy, and linear and angular momentum will be introduced and the unifying idea of conservation laws will be discussed. Additional topics may include, the study of mechanical waves, fluid mechanics and rotational dynamics. Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion and  three-hour laboratory per week. The lab component is a half credit course.

Requisite: MATH 111. Limited to 72 students. Fall semester: Professor Friedman and Professor Carter. Spring semester Professor: Hall and Professor Hanneke.

How to handle overenrollment: Preference will be given to students who are considering a major in Physics. After that, priority will be given by seniority.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: "quantitative work, lab work and working in groups".

Course Materials

Offerings

Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Fall 2024, Spring 2025