Physics: An Introduction to Mechanics (SC275)

In this course, we will cover the area of physics known as classical mechanics. We will study physics from the ground up, learning the basic principles of physical laws, their application to the behavior of objects, and the use of the scientific method in driving advances in this knowledge. Classical mechanics is the study of motion based on the physics of Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton. While mathematics is the language of physics, you will only need to be familiar with high school level algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The small amount of additional math and calculus that we need will be developed during the course.

Quarter 1 | September 1, 2015 - November 6, 2015

Unit 0: Introduction to Physics (1 period)
Chapter 1: About Science
  • The Basic Science
  • The Scientific Method
  • Scientific Hypothesis

Unit 1: Motion in a Straight Line (4 weeks)
Chapter 2: Linear Motion
  • Displacement, Velocity and Acceleration (1 week)
  • Motion with Constant Acceleration (1 week)
  • Falling Objects (1 week)
  • Graphical Analysis (1 week)

Unit 2: Projectile Motion  (5 weeks)
Chapter 3: Projectile Motion
  • Vector Addition and Subtraction (2 weeks)
  • Projectile Motion (3 weeks)

Quarter 2 | November 9, 2015 - January 27, 2016

Unit 3: Dynamics - Newton's Laws of Motion (4 weeks)
Chapters 4 - 6
  • Newton's First Law of Motion - Inertia (1 week)
  • Newton's Second Law of Motion - Force and Acceleration (1 week)
  • Newton's Third Law of Motion - Action and Reaction (1 week)
  • Applications of Newton's Laws of Motion (1 week)

Unit 4: Circular Motion and Gravity (4 weeks)
Chapters 9: Circular Motion and Chapter 10: Center of Gravity
  • Angular Velocity and Accleration (2 weeks)
  • Centripetal Force (1 week)
  • Newton's Law of Gravity (1 week)

Unit 5: Work and Energy (3 weeks)
Chapter 8: Energy
  • Work, Power and Kinetic Energy (1 week)
  • Conservative Forces and Potential Energy (1 week)
  • Conservation of Energy (1 week)

Resources

Conceptual Physics by Paul G. Hewitt

This is our main text book that we will use in the classroom. 
Students do not need to bring this to class each day as it will mostly be used for reference and some homework assignments. 
Saylor Academy

Saylor Academy’s mission is sustained by the continued evolution of an open educational ecosystem, and they are dedicated partners in this movement. Saylor’s commitment to the open education ecosystem is founded not just on open educational resources and open source learning technologies, but also on open access to credentials, and ongoing open learning opportunities. 

Students can create a free account here to access the course: 
the Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom is an online, free to use physics website developed primarily for beginning physics students. The website features a variety of sections intended to support students in the tasks of learning physics.
Khan Academy

Learn about the basic principles that govern the physical world around us. Solid understanding of algebra and a basic understanding of trigonometry necessary.

Students can create a free account here to access the course: