Physics 161 – Spring 2008

Department of Physics

University of Maryland

 

Instructor:                     Professor Ho Jung Paik

                                    Room 4204B Physics Building, Phone: (301)405-6086

                                    E-mail:  hpaik@umd.edu

                                    Office Hours:  M 9:00-9:30 p.m., W 8:00-9:30 p.m., or by appointment.

 

Course Title:                 General Physics: Mechanics and Particle Dynamics (3 credits)

 

Textbook:                     Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A strategic approach, by Randall D. Knight; second edition (Addison-Wesley)

                       

Prerequisite:                  Math 141; you are expected to know simple differentiation, integration as well as elementary algebraic manipulations and trigonometric rules.

 

Course Description:      This is the first of a three-semester introductory course on physics.  The subjects covered will be mechanics and particle dynamics. 

 

Lectures:                      M 7:00-8:50 p.m., W 7:00-7:50 p.m., Phys. 1412

 

Discussion Session:       There will be a one-hour discussion session every week.  The purpose of the discussion session is to discuss the material that you went over in the class, solve problems (other than the ones assigned as homework), and clear up difficulties with concepts.  Please attend these classes regularly and make good use of it.

 

Homework:                  There will be two kinds of homework assignments: one on MasteringPhysics to be turned in on line and the other to be written up on paper and submitted in the class.  Homework assignments will be posted on www.masteringphysics.com each week.  The first time you log on you will need to enter the course ID, which is MPPAIK14341  Out of some 13 homeworks, the best 10 scores will count toward your final grade.  Homework submitted to MasteringPhysics will usually be due on Monday at noon, with penalty for missing the deadline.  Late homework will not be accepted for the homework to be submitted on paper.  

 

Quizzes:                        In order to test your progress and to encourage class attendance, quizzes

will be given each week in the class.  Out of some 13 quizzes, the best 10 scores will count toward your final grade.  There will be no makeup quizzes.   

 

Exams:                         There will be three midterms and a final.  Out of the three midterms, the best two scores will count toward your final grade.  There will be no makeup exams!

 

Grading:                       Your grade for the course will be based on the following percentages:

                                    Homework:                  20%                 Quizzes:                        20%

                                    Midterm exams:            30%                 Final exam:                   30%

 

Tips:                             (1) Attend every class and read the class material before coming to the class.  This always makes it easier to understand the material.

 

(2) If you have any difficulty understanding the material, clear it up as soon as possible.  If a difficulty is not cleared up right away, it leads to more trouble later on till it grinds your physics progress to a complete halt. 

 

(3) Problem solving is an essential part of physics.  You cannot learn the subject without working through problems yourself.  Do all the homework on time so that you will become familiar with the concepts introduced in previous lectures and be ready to learn new concepts built on them.

 

Academic Integrity:       The University has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council.  This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all students.  As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course.  It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism.  For more information, please visit

http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/code.html .

 

Course Schedule (Tentative):

 

Monday

Material

Wednesday

Material

Jan. 28

Chapter 1

Jan. 30

Chapter 2

Feb. 4

Chapter 2

Feb. 6

Chapter 3

Feb. 11

Chapter 4

Feb. 13

Chapter 4

Feb. 18

Review

Feb. 20

Midterm I

Feb. 25

Chapter 5

Feb. 27

Chapter 6

Mar. 3

Chapter 6

Mar. 5

Chapter 7

Mar. 10

Chapter 8

Mar. 12

Chapter 8

Mar. 17

Spring Break

Mar. 19

Spring Break

Mar. 24

Review

Mar. 26

Midterm II

Mar. 31

Chapter 9

Apr. 2

Chapter 10

Apr. 7

Chapter 10

Apr. 9

Chapter 11

Apr. 14

Chapter 11

Apr. 16

Review

Apr. 21

Midterm III

Apr. 23

Chapter 12

Apr. 28

Chapter 12

Apr. 30

Chapter 12

May 5

Chapter 13

May 7

Chapter 13

May 12

Review

May

Final Exam