Physics 221, Physics with Calculus I

Sections 1 and 2, Dr. Yost

Welcome to Dr. Yost's sections of Physics 221, Physics with Calculus I! This course is a first step in the study of the classical foundation of physics: Newtonian mechanics. More generally, the course is designed to give practice in elementary mathematical modeling of natural phenomena and problem solving in the physical sciences. Developing these skills is an essential prerequisite for further study in engineering and science. By the end of the course, you should have a basic understanding the Galilean concept of motion and Newton's Laws of mechanics, and be able to apply them to solve problems relating to simple systems. You should begin to develop the skills necessary to apply mathematical reasoning to new physical situations. Topics covered include motion in one to three dimensions, forces, Newton's Laws, energy and momentum, circular motion, rigid body motion, statics, universal gravitation, and fluid mechanics.

This course assumes some knowledge of calculus: MATH 131, 107, or HONR 131 is a prerequisite. Calculus may be taken concurrently, since we will use only the more basic aspects this semester, but if that is the case, you may expect to see some concepts of calculus for the first time in this course. This should not be a problem, since Newton invented calculus precisely to formulate his laws of mechanics, and the two subjects can reinforce one another when studied simultaneously. Mathematics, including calculus, is the language of physics, not merely a computational tool, and our most important need for calculus is in formulating the laws of mechanics in their full generality.

The following topics in Serway and Jewitt will be covered this semester: