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Physics 231 Introductory Course at Michigan State University

Join the Physics 231 course led by Professor Scott Pratt to delve into Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves, and more. Learn through homework, exams, and the textbook Succeeding in Physics with detailed guidance. The course covers dimensional analysis, units, and problem-solving techniques in Physics. Prepare to explore Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, and Modern Physics in the second semester. Enhance your understanding of fundamental physics principles and excel in your studies with practical tips and resources provided in the course.

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Physics 231 Introductory Course at Michigan State University

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  1. PHYSICS 231INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS Iwww.pa.msu.edu/courses/phy231 Scott Pratt prattsc@msu.edu (517) 355-9200, ext. 2016 Office Hours: T-R, immediately after class in 4208A BPSTuesday: 1:00-2:30 PM in 1248 BPS

  2. Strosacker Center, 1248 BPS Bldg. Homework • Monday 9:00 AM - noon, 12:30-6:00 PM • Tuesday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM • Wednesday 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM • Graded electronically with LON-CAPA http://msu.loncapa.org • Due Wednesdays at 10:00 AM • No HW due week after Exam 1 and Exam 3

  3. EXAMS • 4 Midterms (on Thursdays during class time) • 1 Final • 11 questions one each midterm, graded on scale of 10 • Drop lowest of 4 midterms, no make-ups • 22 questions on final, graded on scale of 20 • Exams are closed book - closed note • Midterms will have HIGH overlap with homework • Midterms 2, 3 and 4 will include problem from previous midterm • Final will be made of reworded Midterm problems

  4. GRADES

  5. Textbook • Serway and Faughn • Old editions are fine

  6. Succeeding in Physics 231 • Do your homework! • Use the help room (1248 BPS) ! Stay away from ALLMSU • Make sure you understand both “why” and “why not” • Interrupt the lecturer

  7. General Physics • First Semester (Phy 231) • Mechanics • Thermodynamics • Simple harmonic motion • Waves Second Semester (Phy 232) • Electromagnetism • Relativity • Modern Physics • (Quantum Mechanics, …, etc.)

  8. Mechanics • Half the course • Quantified largely by Galileo • Problems involve:velocity, acceleration, mass, momentum, energy, torque, angular momentum, moment of inertia…

  9. UNITS (Systéme Internationale)

  10. Standard Kilogram at Sèvres

  11. Dimensional Analysis Dimensions & units can be treated algebraically.

  12. Dimensional Analysis Checking equations with dimensional analysis: (L/T2)T2=L L (L/T)T=L • Each term must have same dimension • Two variables can not be added if dimensions are different • Multiplying variables is always fine • Numbers (e.g. 1/2 or p) are dimensionless

  13. Example 1.1 Check the equation for dimensional consistency: Here, m is a mass, g is an acceleration,c is a velocity, h is a length

  14. Example 1.2 Consider the equation: Where m and M are masses, r is a radius andv is a velocity. What are the dimensions of G ? L3/(MT2)

  15. Units vs. Dimensions • Dimensions: L, T, M, L/T … • Units: m, mm, cm, kg, g, mg, s, hr, years … • When equation is all algebra: check dimensions • When numbers are inserted: check units • Units obey same rules as dimensions:Never add terms with different units • Angles are dimensionless but have units (degrees or radians) • In physics sin(Y) or cos(Y) never occur unless Y is dimensionless

  16. Example 1.3 Grandma traveled 27 minutes at 44 m/s. How many miles did Grandma travel? 44.3 miles

  17. Prefixes In addition to mks units, standard prefixes can be used, e.g., cm, mm, mm, nm

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