General Physics I (Mechanics)

Physics 151 section 1 Fall 2007

This web site is http://courses.umass.edu/phy151s1/

Registered students should also see our Spark/WebCT pages: https://spark.oit.umass.edu/webct/entryPageIns.dowebct

Trainee mechanics at the Poona Engineering College in India during World War Two, carry out aero frame assembly practice on a demonstration aircraft. The training scheme was intended to supply 2000 mechanics each year.

Contact Info

Course Description

System Requirements

Course Details

Getting Started

Survival Tips

Related Fun Stuff

This page is almost always under construction.
Please pardon our mess.

Instructor: Prof. Guy Blaylock

Office: Lederle Grad Research Tower
Rm 1034

Phone: (413) 545-0993

blaylock at physics.umass.edu

Office hours: M,F 1:30-2:30,
and by appointment
(in LGRT 1034)

Course Description

Mechanics is the study of motion of all types, from the smallest particles to the largest astrophysical objects. This course introduces the student to a number of concepts to help analyze classical motion, including force, energy, and linear and angular momentum. Newton's laws of motion and conservations principles are covered in detail. Instruction concentrates on basic principles of physics and general problem-solving techniques, both in class and in web-based homework assignments. The lectures follow the first 11 chapters of the textbook (Knight), in order.

System Requirements

a working knowledge of algebraic manipulation, geometry and trigonometry
a calculator capable of doing trigonometric operations
a radio frequency (RF) Personal Response System (PRS) transmitter
a pencil for taking exams (and an eraser if you think you might need it)
volume 1 of the textbook by Randall Knight (below), with the student access kit for Mastering Physics
patience, perseverance, and a sense of humor

Course Details

Text: "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" (Volume 1 only) by Randall Knight
Overview and grade breakdown of course components, including lectures, in-class participation, homework and exams.
Where to go for help (office hours, help sessions, LRC help room, etc.)
Grading Policy and grading scale.
Private Spark/WebCT pages with course calendar, discussion board, posted lectures. Accessible only to students registered for the course.
Tips for getting started with the Mastering Physics web-based homework system.
Tips for getting started with Spark/WebCT.
Tips for working with your PRS transmitter.
If you are taking the P153 lab this semester (not required by me, but may be for your major), you may find the lab schedules here.

Getting Started

Make sure you are registered for the course.
Buy volume I of the text. A new copy should be packaged with the Student Access Kit (for the Mastering Physics web-based homework system) and a $20 rebate for the PRS transmitter. The place to get it is at Food for Thought Books, in downtown Amherst (see map). Some used books might be available at the Textbook Annex, but these do not include the access kit or the PRS rebate and are therefore much more expensive in the long run.
Read both the Preface to the Student and Chapter 1 ASAP.
Buy the RF PRS transmitter. Available at the above bookstores. Set the ID on your tranmitter (PRS tips).
Explore these public web pages, especially components, resources, Grading Policy
Log onto the private Spark/WebCT pages and check out the calendar, lecture notes, and discussion board. Look at WebCT tips if you need help.
Register for the web-based homework system (Mastering Physics) at http://www.masteringphysics.com/. Look at MP tips if you need help.
Do the Introduction to Mastering Physics tutorial.

Survival Tips

Read the book…twice!
The first time, read the text before you come to class to become familiar with the terminology and identify the main topics. The second time, read for detail and work all the examples (but cover the answers while you read the examples).
Take good notes and review your notes before class.
Lecture slides will be posted online after each lecture to help you with this but take your own notes as well. Before each lecture, spend 10 minutes reviewing the notes from the previous lecture so you are ready to pick up where we left off.
Start the online homework as soon as it becomes available.
Identify which problems are the most difficult and be prepared to get help during one of the many help sessions throughout the week. Always try the problems first by yourself.

Other Related Websites (each image is a link)

How fast are the continents moving? As fast as your fingernails grow? The image link at the left takes you to a site that has several plots showing the age of the continental plates.

History of atomic clock measurements and standards at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Just to emphasize the importance of doing conversions correctly...
recall this story about the loss of the Mars orbiter in 1999 because someone forgot to convert from English to SI units.

Last updated $Date: 2007/08/29 19:24:22 $

Instructor:	Prof. Guy Blaylock
Office:	Lederle Grad Research Tower Rm 1034
Phone:	(413) 545-0993
	blaylock at physics.umass.edu
Office hours:	M,F 1:30-2:30, and by appointment (in LGRT 1034)

	How fast are the continents moving? As fast as your fingernails grow? The image link at the left takes you to a site that has several plots showing the age of the continental plates.
	History of atomic clock measurements and standards at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
	Just to emphasize the importance of doing conversions correctly... recall this story about the loss of the Mars orbiter in 1999 because someone forgot to convert from English to SI units.