Degrees, Certificates, & Transfer Programs

Student Learning Outcomes -

• The student will be able to apply derivatives to problems in kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum and related topics
• The student will be able to apply integrals to problems in kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum and related topics.

Description -

Application of calculus to physics topics and problems in mechanics.

Course Objectives -

1. Apply calculus to problems in kinematics
2. Solve F=ma problems with Non-Constant Forces
3. Apply calculus to Work-Energy problems
4. Apply calculus Momentum/Impulse problems
5. Calculate quantities involved in rotational motion
6. Solve problems involving Newtonian Gravity
7. Interpret Simple Harmonic Oscillators in terms of Differential Equations

Special Facilities and/or Equipment -

Course Content (Body of knowledge) -

1. Apply calculus to problems in kinematics
1. Review of Derivatives
1. Concept of a Limit
2. Concept of a Derivative
3. Derivatives of Polynomials
4. Derivatives of Other Functions
5. Product Rule and Chain Rule
2. Velocity and Acceleration with Derivatives
1. Definitions of Average Velocity and Acceleration
2. Velocity and Acceleration as Derivatives
3. Graphical Interpretations
3. Review of Integration
1. Indefinite Integrals
2. Definite Integrals
4. Kinematics with Integration
1. Position and Velocity from Acceleration
2. Formulae for Constant Acceleration
3. Graphical Interpretations
2. Solve F=ma problems with Non-Constant Forces
1. F=ma with Forces that are a function of position
1. The General Approach
2. Hooke's Law
3. 1/r^2 Forces
2. Velocity-Dependent Forces
1. Drag Proportional to Velocity
2. Drag Proportional to the Square of Velocity
3. Apply calculus to Work-Energy problems
1. Potential Energy of Non-Constant Forces
2. Power
3. Energy Diagrams
4. Apply calculus Momentum/Impulse problems
1. Impulse
2. Momentum with changing mass
5. Calculate quantities involved in rotational motion
1. Relationship to Linear Mechanics
2. Center of Mass
3. Moment of Inertia Calculations
6. Solve problems involving Newtonian Gravity
1. Work
2. Potential energy
7. Interpret Simple Harmonic Oscillators in terms of Differential Equations
1. What is a Differential Equation?
2. Solutions to a Second-Order Differential Equation
3. The Role of Initial Conditions
4. Energy in Simple Harmonic Oscillators

Methods of Evaluation -

1. Weekly assignments
2. Midterms
3. Final examination

Representative Text(s) -

Disciplines -

Method of Instruction -

Lab Content -

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing and Outside of Class Assignments -

1. Homework Problems covering subject matter from text and related material ranging from 5-15 problems per week. Students will need to employ critical thinking in order to complete assignments.
2. One hour per week of lecture covering subject matter from text and related material. Reading and study of the textbook, related materials and notes.