Physics 131-01

General Physics I

Fall 2005

 

Instructor: Lev Kaplan

Lectures: MWF 11:00 - 11:50 & Th 2:00 - 3:15, in room Mech 206

Textbook: Knight, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (chapters 1-42) with Mastering Physics

Laboratory: weekly starting the week of Sep. 12. You need to register separately for a lab section!

Office: 5046 Percival Stern Hall

Office hours: M 12:00 – 1:00 and Th 3:15 - 4:15 (days and times to be confirmed during first week of class), or by appointment

Email: lkaplan@tulane.edu [A great way to ask a question or arrange an appointment]

Telephone: 504-862-3176 (x3176) [Please leave a message if I’m not there or try email]

Web: blackboard.tulane.edu [See for assignments, updated calendar, grades, web links, etc.]

Online assignments: www.masteringphysics.com.

 

Welcome to General Physics I at Tulane University!

 

General Course Objectives and Requirements:

 

This course is intended to introduce you to the basic principles of physics at the university level, to help you develop your analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills, to enhance your ability to apply mathematics, physics, and engineering knowledge, to provide experience in laboratory experiments and in data interpretation and analysis, to build teamwork skills, to use techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary for a professional, and to prepare a firm foundation for future study and career in many areas of science and engineering. Topics covered will include mechanics (kinematics, Newton’s laws, and conservation laws), gravitation, and oscillations. This is a calculus-based course, and although we will not be focusing on mathematics for its own sake, you are expected either to have taken a calculus course before or to be taking calculus concurrently

 

Grading:

 

Laboratory:                               10%     [But you must pass the lab to pass the course!]

Online Homework:                    15%

Quizzes and Participation:          15%

Two midterm exams:                 35%

Comprehensive final exam:        25%

Team study extra credit:                        up to 5%

           

Tips for Success:

 

Laboratory:

 

Since physics is an experimental science, the laboratory will obviously be a key component of your learning experience, and you must earn at least a 59% lab grade (departmental policy!) in order to earn a passing grade in Physics 131. You must register separately for a lab section, and you must attend the section for which you are registered (make sure you have the correct day, time, and room number). Labs will begin the week of Sep. 12 – 16 (“Vector forces”) in or around Percival Stern 2020-2022. The labs are self-contained and some may be out of sequence with the lectures. You should purchase a lab manual from the Bruff copy center and bring it to every lab (or you may print the relevant section of the manual from the “Schedule” section of the lab website before you come to lab; you will not be able to print the experiment on the lab computers). You will also need to bring a scientific calculator, ruler with centimeter scale, protractor, paper, floppy disk, and textbook to each lab. You are required to prepare ahead of time for each lab, as evidenced by a short pre-lab writeup that will be collected at the beginning of each lab, including the first lab. In addition, there will be a short quiz at the beginning of each lab, again including the first lab. Please see the lab manual for more details about lab requirements and lab grading, and also take a look at the lab.phy.tulane.edu website, which contains a lot of useful information, including the lab schedule, lab policies, lab report guidelines, and TA contact information. Dr. A. Dayle Hancock (hancock@lab.phy.tulane.edu or x5086) is the lab supervisor; please contact him or your TA ahead of time if you must miss a lab. Make-up labs will be given only for officially excused absences: (a) illness with a doctor's note or a dated medical excuses policy form from the student health center, (b) a family emergency such as a serious illness or death in the immediate family, or (c) official Tulane business. Make-up labs will be given the week of Nov. 28 – Dec. 2. Documentation will be required to do a make-up lab, and at most two make-up labs will be allowed.

 

Student Hand-Held Controls (“Clickers”):

 

You will need to obtain a clicker (also known as an H-ITT transmitter, available in the bookstore for about $30) if you don’t already have one. Please register your clicker's number with me by Friday, Sep. 2, or if your clicker needs to be replaced. You are required to bring your clicker (but not your friends' clickers - see “Professional Conduct” below) to each class session. I may use the clickers to check attendance, to get instant feedback on lectures, to take occasional polls, and/or to administer multiple-choice quizzes. We will practice using these devices sometime before the first clicker quiz. Please do not use any electronic device other than your clicker in class, as it may interfere with the infrared transmission of information.

 

Blackboard Website and Tulane Email:

 

“Blackboard” (blackboard.tulane.edu) is Tulane University’s preferred web-based course-management system, which I will use for posting course announcements, course calendar, useful web links, assignments, syllabus updates, grades, etc. To log in, use your usual Tulane network ID and password, the same ones you use to access your Tulane email. If you have trouble logging in, the help desk can be contacted at x8888 (862-8888). If you register for this course after the beginning of classes, your name should automatically be added to the “blackboard” roster the following night. This syllabus should already be available online. Be sure to check the blackboard website regularly for announcements (including homework announcements, changes in homework due dates, updated office hours, exam information, etc.).

 

Occasionally, I may need to contact you by email, so be sure that you either check your “yourname@tulane.edu” email on a regular basis, or else arrange to have it forwarded to another email address that you do monitor.

Problem Solving:

 

Since problem solving is an essential component of learning physics, problems will make up the largest part of homework assignments and exams. (Contrary to what you may have been led to believe in high school, “finding the right equation” to plug numbers into is not what science is about.) In general, problem solving steps include (a) qualitative understanding of the relevant theory and concepts, which may involve building an idealized “model” of the situation in your mind, drawing several diagrams, and expressing the key ideas in words, (b) constructing and then solving the equations that relate the various data, checking to see that the solutions make sense, and (c) plugging in numbers to get the answer, including correct units. Typically, you will earn considerable partial credit on an exam problem if you do (a) and (b) correctly but make a mistake at the end when punching numbers into your calculator. On the other hand, no credit will be earned if you simply write down the final answer without explaining how you obtained it.

 

Your textbook will provide guidance, in the form of “Tactics Boxes” and “Problem-Solving Strategies” for dealing with various types of problems that you will encounter throughout the course. The textbook also provides a number of worked examples. Together, we will work out a number of sample problems in class (these will be taken from the “Exercises and Problems” section at the end of each chapter). Your active participation is essential if you are to get the full benefit of these in-class exercises. Sometimes, I will ask you to think briefly about a question or problem step during class time, then pair up with a neighbor to compare and discuss the answer each of you came up with, and finally share with the rest of the class (“think-pair-share”). Research shows that students who are actively engaged in such in-class problem solving learn better than those who listen passively to the instructor’s explanations.

 

The student workbook, which accompanies your textbook, will allow you to practice key skills discussed in the textbook and in class, especially the qualitative skills that you need to get started on the homework problems. I encourage you to go through the workbook exercises either on your own or with a study group (see below).

 

Answers to many odd-numbered textbook problems appear at the end of the book. An optional “Student Solutions Manual” contains detailed worked-out solutions to many of these problems. However, I cannot overemphasize that you cannot learn to solve problems simply by looking at other people's solutions. You will learn to solve problems through practice. See “Homework” below.

 

Homework:

 

This semester, we will be using the ``Mastering Physics” online homework system. This system includes special “Skill Builder” and “Self-Tutoring Problems,” in which a physics problem is subdivided into parts, with personalized feedback provided when you type in an incorrect answer and optional hints available when you get stuck. In addition, there are regular “End of Chapter” problems from the textbook, where you simply type in the final answer after working through the problem on your own.

 

To access the online homework system, go to www.masteringphysics.com and click on “Mastering Physics for Knight”. Click on “First Time User – Register” and follow the instructions, using the online access code that was included with your textbook. The code can be found below the pull-tab in the Mastering Physics “student access kit” and should look something like ABCDE-ABCDE-ABCDE-ABCDE- ABCDE-ABCDE. Do not click “Buy Now” since you already acquired the code when you paid for the textbook (unless you have a used copy). Tulane’s zip code is 70118 and the course ID for our section is: MPKAPLAN0003. Your student ID is optional; you may enter “0” if you do not wish to provide it. For technical support with the registration/login procedure, you may use www.aw-bc.com/techsupport or call 800-677-6337.

 

Once you have registered, and in the future, you may go back to the www.masteringphysics.com home page and log in as “Established User.” Click on “assignment list” on the left to see all your assignments and due dates. Click on the assignment name (underlined) to see the problem, and click on a problem name to work on that problem. The first time you use Mastering Physics, you will complete the “Introduction to Mastering Physics” assignment, which is due by 11pm Tuesday, Sep. 6. This practice assignment will guide you through some features of the software, so that you know how to enter symbolic and numerical answers, request hints, etc. A student booklet about Mastering Physics is available on our course website (blackboard.tulane.edu). Some useful information (“5 Ways to Improve Your Grade…” and “Getting Started…”) is also available on the Mastering Physics home page after you log in.

 

Late online homework will be subject to an automatic penalty imposed by the online system, so do your homework on time (the maximum score you can receive is reduced every hour after the due date, and becomes zero after 48 hours). Your lowest homework grade will be dropped in arriving at your final grade. A tentative schedule of homework due dates appears under “Tentative Course Schedule” below. However, please note that this schedule is subject to modifications. See the “Calendar” button on the blackboard.tulane.edu website for an updated schedule of due dates.

 

Some of the homework problems may be difficult, and will require substantial thought, not simply plugging in numbers. In general you should not expect homework problems to be just like examples done in class, although there may be some similarity. Please start early and try to work on each problem right after you have learned the relevant material. You are allowed and encouraged to discuss the homework problems with your study group, with a tutor, with other students, and/or with me, but you are required to do the problems individually after understanding how to approach them. Copying someone else's solutions is not likely to develop your understanding of physics, enhance your problem-solving skills, or prepare you for the exams. In the end, you would only be cheating yourselves.

 

Tips: For best results, work on each problem on paper first, just as you would a textbook assignment, and draw your own figures as needed. After you’ve done one part on paper, enter your answer in the box. (After you hit the “submit” button on one part, you cannot change your answer. If you are incorrect you will get another chance for 85% partial credit, along with feedback to help guide you to the correct answer.) Use the “help” and “constants” tabs near the top for help on how to enter equations or constants. If you get stuck, some problems offer hints. Note however that you will receive a 5% bonus for not opening the hints.

 

Click the “submit problem” button only after completing all parts of a problem. Each problem is saved when submitted, and you can come back at a later time to do other problems in that assignment. You must submit an entire problem to save it (not just a part). The entire assignment is automatically submitted when you complete all problems (if you “submit assignment” manually you will get zero points for the problems you did not do).

 

Quizzes:

 

Short multiple-choice quizzes will be administered from time to time to make sure that you are keeping up with the reading and lectures. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. I reserve the right to use either "clickers" or more old-fashioned technology (pencil and paper) for these quizzes. Obviously, if you miss class without prior permission, you will receive a grade of 0 on the quiz. Your lowest grade will be dropped.

 

Examinations:

 

Two midterms and a comprehensive final exam (see “Expected Course Schedule” below) will compose 60% of your final grade. The dates of the midterms are subject to very minor adjustment, but the date of the comprehensive final exam is set by the university. If you miss an exam without prior permission (based on serious illness, family emergency, or similar circumstances), you will receive a grade of zero for that exam. [Make-up exams given in extraordinary circumstances may not follow the format or the difficulty level of the original exam. Make-up final exams will be given only with the approval of the dean.] Each exam may contain a combination of some theory/definition/conceptual questions (short-answer) and more problems. Problems will constitute the bulk of each exam, and may be similar to homework problems, or to examples worked out in class (see “Problem Solving” above). You will be allowed to bring a calculator and one handwritten, single-sided page of notes to each exam. The best way to prepare for each exam is to keep up with and understand all the readings, lectures, and homework assignments, and to practice doing lots and lots of problems quickly! Your study group is an excellent resource for exam preparation. Come to the exam well rested. I may also give you some more specific guidance regarding areas of emphasis before an exam. If you are having difficulty, please come see me early!

 

Study Groups:

 

During the first week, I will set aside a few minutes to allow you to form study groups. Once you know the names of your teammates, you’ll be able to email them through blackboard. Groups of 3-5 students are recommended. You are responsible for arranging regular group meetings to discuss course material and homework problems, and to review for exams. Teamwork can be a great way to make solidify your understanding of physics (or any other field) and is an important part of any professional preparation. It can also be fun! Please let me know if you do not have a study group, or if problems develop within your group. As an incentive, you will receive 1% extra credit towards your final grade for each group study session (for a maximum of 5% during the semester). To obtain this extra credit, one of you must send me an email after each study session listing the students who participated and briefly describing the material that was covered.

 

Study Habits:

 

The rule of thumb is that for every hour spent in class, you should be spending two hours on the material outside of class - that's about 6 hours per week for this course (including group study). If you wish a high grade (or because you love the subject and want to excel in it) you may want to put in more hours. Read the text before class, so you know where to ask questions. Take clear notes and review them soon afterward. Start doing the homework problems early, right after the relevant material has been covered in class or after you have read the relevant sections of the textbook. Set up regular study hours for this and every other class. Also, set up regular sessions with your study group, come to my office hours, and use other available resources (see “Help Desk” and “Special Assistance” below). Don't try to learn everything the day before an assignment is due or the week before an exam. After the homework assignment has been completed or while studying for an exam, practice on your own doing problems similar to ones you had difficulty with. After an exam, go over the solutions to see what questions you missed and why. You are more likely to succeed if you approach the study of physics with a positive attitude. Some other study hints that may also help with your other classes may be found at erc.tulane.edu/studying.

 

Help Desk:

 

A free “help desk” for students with problems and questions in physics is being made available by the department and is staffed by physics graduate students. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this resource. The schedule will be available at lab.phy.tulane.edu by clicking on “Help Desk”.

Special Assistance, More Free Tutoring, and ERC:

 

If you are having difficulties or need any special assistance, or have a learning disability, or if something is just unclear to you, or you need help in developing better study habits, please let me know as early as possible, either in person or via email. The important thing is not to fall behind, since it is much more difficult to catch up later. Do not wait until the day before the exam. Remember that I am here for your benefit, but as responsible adults you need to let me know what I can do to help. Please note also that Educational Resources and Counseling (ERC), located on the first floor of the Mechanical Engineering Building (website: erc.tulane.edu, phone: x5113), can provide help with many of the stresses of college life, including free and confidential counseling for personal, academic, or career concerns. ERC also provides free tutoring in physics and many other subjects on Sunday - Thursday afternoons (check schedule at x5103), which is in addition to the tutoring services provided by the physics department (see “Help Desk” above). ERC also provides career testing services, disability accommodations, and lots of tips on study strategies and maintaining good mental health. More detailed information is available on their website.

 

ActivPhysics Website:

 

Helpful online tutorials and applets designed to accompany the textbook are available at www.aw-bc.com/knight. We may occasionally try some of these in class.

 

Professional Conduct:

 

As Tulane students, you are expected at all times to uphold high ethical and professional standards, as described in the LAS “Honor Code” (a copy of which may be picked up in the Newcomb or Tulane Dean's office). Any form of cheating on the exams or quizzes will not be tolerated, and may be punished by failure in the exam, failure in the course, academic probation, and/or expulsion. “Sharing” clickers with your friends is an example of cheating. You are also expected always to treat your classmates with respect, and you have the right to be treated with fairness, respect, and consideration by me. Disruptive and unprofessional behavior, such as talking in class or packing up your books before class has ended, disrespects everyone else who is trying to learn, and such behavior will not be accepted.

 

Class Registration, Attendance, Participation, and Involvement:

 

Please be sure that you are registered for this class through the TUTOR or TOUR systems. I ask you to attend class regularly, arrive on time, and do not pack up before class ends, so that you do not miss quizzes or important announcements. Let me know in advance about any unavoidable absences (including Tulane athletic events). I will use a sign-up sheet during the first week to make sure that everyone registered is here and everyone here is registered. Class participation is strongly encouraged. If you have a question, please do not be afraid to ask it. There is no such thing as a stupid question in this classroom, and if you are confused about some point, there is good chance that some other students are too, and they will be grateful to you for slowing me down. Even if some are not grateful, ask anyway. With your involvement, we can make this class a valuable learning experience for everyone

 

Physics 131 Sections:

 

All sections will cover the same core material, but discretionary material, homework problems, quizzes, and exam style will vary among instructors. To promote fairness, it is expected that the average grades will be similar across different sections. Historically, the typical average grade in General Physics has been a B-.

Tentative Course Schedule:

 

This schedule is subject to very likely adjustments, which will be announced in class. For an updated schedule, see “Calendar” on the blackboard website. Extra office hours and/or review sessions may be arranged prior to the exams, if the demand exists.

 

Lectures:                                                                                  HW due:

Ch. 1: Concepts of Motion. Aug 31, Sep 1, 2, 7                                   Fri, Sep 9

Ch. 2: Mathematics of Motion. Sep 8,  9, 12, 14, 15                Mon, Sep 19

Ch. 3: Vectors and Coordinates. Sep 15, 16, 19                                  Fri, Sep 23

Ch. 4: Force and Motion. Sep 19, 21, 22                                             Thurs, Sep 29

Ch. 5. Motion Along a Line. Sep 23, 26, 28, 29                                   Wed, Oct 5

Midterm I.      Thursday , Oct 6   (Chapters 1 - 5)

Ch. 6. Motion in a Plane. Sep 30, Oct 3, 5, 7                          Fri, Oct 14

Ch. 7. Motion in a Circle. Oct 7, 10, 12, 14                            Fri, Oct 21

Ch. 8: Third Law: Action and Reaction. Oct 17, 19, 20, 21     Thurs, Oct 27

Ch. 9: Impulse and Momentum. Oct  24, 26, 27, 28                 Wed, Nov 2

Midterm II.     Thursday, Nov 3   (Chapters 6 - 9)

Ch. 10: Energy. Oct 31, Nov 2, 4, 7                                         Fri, Nov 11

Ch. 11. Work. Nov 9, 10, 11, 14                                                          Fri, Nov 18

Ch. 12: Gravity. Nov 16, 17, 18                                                           Mon, Nov 28

Ch. 13: Rotation. Nov 21, 28, 30, Dec 1                                              Mon, Dec 5

Ch. 14: Oscillations. Dec 2, 5, 7, 8, 9                                       Fri, Dec 9

Comprehensive Final.            Monday, Dec 19   (8 - noon)

 

Considering a double major in physics?

 

If you like physics but are currently majoring in another field, you may want to consider a doing a double major with physics. Physics majors graduate with solid analytical, quantitative, and problem solving skills, which are valued by many employers, as well as by graduate and professional schools (including programs in physics, related sciences, engineering, medicine, and law). The physics department instituted many years ago a liberalized set of requirements to accommodate a variety of students, and today about half of physics majors are doing a second major in a branch of engineering, math, chemistry, philosophy, economics, political science, or foreign languages. Please see me or Professor Wayne Reed, the undergraduate physics advisor (wreed@tulane.edu, x5523), if you are interested in getting more details about this option.

 

About me:

 

I am an Assistant Professor at Tulane, and prior to coming here I did research at the University of Washington in Seattle. I was born in Latvia (former USSR), went to school in New Jersey, did my undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and my graduate “work” at Harvard University (on the theory of high-energy particles). My present research interests include something called “quantum chaos.” If you want to know what that means, just ask. I strongly encourage you to stop by my office to talk about physics, Tulane, questions, concerns, suggestions, or anything else that may be on your mind.