PHSCS 121
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Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics
Physics and Astronomy
College of Computational, Mathematical, & Physical Sciences
Course Description
Linear, circular, and projectile motion; their prediction from forces and torques. Conservation of energy and momentum. Weekly lab.
When Taught
Fall, Winter, Spring
Min
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
1
Other Prerequisites
Calculus or concurrent enrollment.
Note
Also offered by BYU Independent Study; enroll anytime throughout year; one year to complete; additional tuition required; register at is.byu.edu.
Title
Units and Significant Figures
Learning Outcome
Convert quantities from one set of units to another and use a reasonable number of significant digits when expressing answers.
Title
Motion of a Particle
Learning Outcome
Interpret and draw motion diagrams including "blinking light' diagrams, x(t), v(t), a(t), and y(x) plots. Understand what time derivatives mean and how to estimate time derivatives from the information in these diagrams. Compute a particle's classical translational motion in one or two dimensions, including circular motion, both in Cartesian coordinates and in polar coordinates.
Title
Energy and Momentum
Learning Outcome
Use the ideas of energy, work, power, linear momentum, impulse, and angular momentum to arrive at conclusions about the motion of a system, including systems in which collisions occur.
Title
Newton's Second Law
Learning Outcome
Use Newton's Second Law to calculate the motion of objects, both in translation and rotation, and also those in simple harmonic motion, as well as the forces and torques acting on systems in equilibrium. Also use Newton's inverse-square law of gravity to calculate how objects move.
Title
Scientific Process
Learning Outcome
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic scientific principles that undergird the scientific process, including the strengths and weaknesses of this process.
