Learning Objectives of Physics 221 – General physics, Mechanics
An application of cognitive condensation for "mastery
teaching and learning"
(Fall, 1998)
Diola Bagayoko, Ph.D.
Professor of Physics and Chancellor’s Fellow
Southern University and A&M College
Units of Measurements
Standards, their properties; base units, "measures" of some properties
of standards; derived units; infinite numbers of systems of units and the
need for the International System.
Vectors & Scalar Quantities
Scalar quantities—mass, time, length, density, etc.
Vector quantities and operations on vectors (equality, addition, multiplication,
cross and dot products—and related physical meanings).
Kinematics of Motions (study of motion without relation to their causes)
Generalities; basic concepts to construct (trajectory, velocity, acceleration,
...)
Translational, rotational, general motions (1-, 2-dimesional motions;
projectile motions)
Dynamics of Motions-From fundamental to Applications-beginning with
observations.
Concept of momentum (Quantity of motion); linear and angular momenta
for single particles and systems of particles; Average rate of and rate
of change of quantities;
Newton’s laws of motions (momentum formulations – of the 2nd
laws--and reduction to algebraic formulations);
Applications (cars, inclined planes, pulleys, rigid bodies, etc.)—including
"frictional" and "centrifugal" forces; systems of several particles; gravitational
forces and applications to planetary, satellite, and galactic motions;
Equilibrium (state of balanced forces and balanced torques)-consequences
of Newton’s 2nd laws; Newton’s 1st and 3rd
revisited; relations to the 2nd laws; stability of objects and
of structures (houses, dams, space stations, etc.);
Conservation laws for momentas and applications to collisions (elastic
and inelastic)-- consequences of Newton’s 2nd laws.
Mechanical Energy and its Components (kinetic and potential) and
the Work done by
Conservative and Non-conservative Forces; Generalities and cases of
translational, rotational, and general motions;
The work-energy theorem and applications: conservation of energy;
solving kinematic and dynamic problems using the work-energy theorem (cognitive
condensation).
Oscillatory Motions and the Simple Pendulum; Membranes and general
vibrations; resonance; undesirable shaking of a car: an indication of a
resonating "loose" part.
Waves -- motions of energy (application of Newton’s 2nd
laws)
Wave along a string, from Newton’s 2nd law;
Sound waves: generation, propagation, and applications (let us rap and
dance).
Heat and its Relation to Kinetic Energy and Collisions--Thermodynamics
Basic laws of thermodynamics: first and
second laws and related applications.