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Physics 1A: Introduction to Physics and Problem Solving

Physics 1A: Introduction to Physics and Problem Solving. Instructor: Dr. Rae Robertson Lectures: MTWThF 8:00 - 9:20 AM. Course Logistics. Lectures: MTWTHF 8:00 - 9:20 AM, WLH 2005 Problem Sessions: Th 2:00 - 3:20 PM, WLH 2204 TA: James Wilson, wilsja@gmail.com

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Physics 1A: Introduction to Physics and Problem Solving

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  1. Physics 1A: Introduction to Physics and Problem Solving Instructor: Dr. Rae Robertson Lectures: MTWThF 8:00 - 9:20 AM

  2. Course Logistics Lectures: MTWTHF 8:00 - 9:20 AM, WLH 2005 Problem Sessions: Th 2:00 - 3:20 PM, WLH 2204 TA: James Wilson, wilsja@gmail.com Instructor Office Hours: Th 9:30 - 11:30 AM, MH 2661 TA Office Hours: W 2:00 - 4:00 PM, Physics Tutorial Center (Mayer Hall) Course Webpage: http://physics.ucsd.edu/students/courses/summer2008/managed/physics1a/ Textbook: College Physics, Vol I, Serway & Faughn Grading: Final: 40%, Quizzes: 60% (20% each), Questions of the Day: 20%, Weekly Homework Sets: Ungraded NO makeup quizzes or Final! Know your student code! Lecture Attendance: Mandatory! You can’t learn unless you show up. Please bring 3x5 notecard to each lecture for daily questions.

  3. What is Physics?? The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is comprehensible. -Albert Einstein

  4. Observations, Theories & Predictions Physics Experiment Theory Careful observations and recording of physical phenomena Systematic variation of conditions Testing theoretical predictions Formulation of general descriptions of physical phenomena Predictions about physical phenomena at all conditions Problem Solving Understanding HOW physical systems/phenomena work and WHY it behaves as it does

  5. Speed of Light (3*109 m/s) Energy Mass Mathematics: The Language of Physics The Book of Nature is written in mathematical characters, without whose help it is impossible to comprehend a single word….. -Galileo Descriptions of physical phenomena = mathematical equations Variables = physical quantities/characteristics of system E = mc2

  6. Acceleration Force Mass Mathematics: The Language of Physics The Book of Nature is written in mathematical characters, without whose help it is impossible to comprehend a single word….. -Galileo Descriptions of physical phenomena = mathematical equations Variables = physical quantities/characteristics of system F = ma

  7. TIME MASS LENGTH Size of an object Distance between objects or events SI UNIT = METER How long something lasts SI UNIT = SECOND How much matter is in an object SI UNIT = KILOGRAM Dimensions and Units Many ways to describe an object or system Dimension = physical nature of quantity Three fundamental dimensions can be used to describe many types of phenomena/physical systems

  8. Dimensional Analysis [x] = L [m] = M [t] = T VERY IMPORTANT IN PROBLEM SOLVING!!! Dimension Physical Quantity SIUnit Volume [V] = L*L*L = L3 m3 Velocity [v] = [x]/[t] L/T m/s m/s2 Acceleration [a] = [v]/[t] (L/T)/T = L/T2 kg*m/s2 = N Force [F] = [m]*[a] = M*L/T2

  9. A = 10 m2 3.28 ft X m Unit Conversion 1 m = 3.28 ft = 39.37 in 1 mile = 1609 m = 1.609 km What is X in meters? What is X in feet? What is the speed limit in SI units?

  10. + + O O - - + + - - Coordinate Systems

  11. Coordinate Systems Cartesian Coordinates Polar Coordinates Point in space specified by straight line distance from origin and angle of line P = (r,q) Point in space specified by distance from origin in x and y directions P = (x,y)

  12. TrigFunctions Y Sin q = = side opposite q side adjacent to q y y x x r r hypotenuse hypotenuse r y Cos q = = q X side opposite q x Tan q = = side adjacent to q Inverse Trig Functions Sin-1 (y/r) = q Pythagorean Theorem r2 = x2 + y2 Cos-1 (x/r) = q Tan-1 (y/x) = q Trigonometry Review YOU WILL USE THESE OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN!! GET USED TO THEM!!!

  13. 1) READ Problem Solving: 10 fool-proof steps 2) READ AGAIN 3) DRAW DIAGRAM 4) CHOOSE/LABEL COORDINATE SYSTEM 5) LABEL PHYSICAL QUANTITIES 6) IDENTIFY ALL KNOWN & UNKNOWN QUANTITIES 7) CHOOSE EQUATIONS 8) SOLVE EQUATIONS 9) INSERT KNOWN QUANTITIES 10) CHECK!!

  14. Questions of the Day 1) If an equation is not dimensionally correct, does that mean that the equation can’t be true? YES B) NO 2) You walk 10 m in a direction 20o North of East, you want to know how far North you have traveled… What trig function would you use to figure this out? Sine B) Cosine C) Tangent

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