Studio Physics: Modern Mechanics (PHYS 103)
Michael Coffey, Associate Professor of Physics

This course deals with the nature of matter and its interactions. We will attempt to model a broad range of physical phenomena using a small set of powerful fundamental principles and the atomic theory of matter. The variety of phenomena that we will be able to explain and understand is very wide, from the orbit of a planet to the speed of sound in a solid.

Physics 103, which includes classical mechanics and thermal physics, is the first course in a two-semester sequence of introductory calculus-based physics courses for engineering and science students. Topics include: types of matter and interactions, using the momentum principle to predict future motion, an atomic model of solids, energy conservation including relativistic energy, energy in macroscopic systems (including thermal energy), energy quantization, multi-particle systems, collisions (including relativistic particle collisions), angular momentum and quantized angular momentum, entropy and statistical mechanics.

The textbook is Matter & Interactions, vol I: Modern Mechanics, 2nd Edition, by R.Chabay & B. Sherwood

(John Wiley & Sons 2007).

This course will use a Studio Physics format (no separate afternoon lab), meeting three times a week in classes of 110 minutes:

Monday-Wednesday-Friday 11:00- 12:50

Classroom activities will emphasize active learning and teamwork, and will combine theoretical discussions, problem solving, laboratory exercises and computational modeling (using VPython 3D programming) in a uniquely designed learning environment. Enrollment is restricted to 20 students, and is intended for incoming freshmen strongly interested in physics and engineering, with a solid background in high school math.

The course satisfies a lab science requirement and is not designated as writing intensive. 

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