THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
PH 110
Introductory Physics I
2017/2018 ACADEMIC YEAR
TEACHING STAFF
Lecturer’s Name : Mr. Sikapizye
Email Address :
[email protected]Office Location : New-Dag Office No. 4
COURSE CONTENT
1. Units and Measurements.
Base quantities and their S.I units -derived quantities and their SI units- dimensional
equations for derived quantities-use dimensions to check the homogeneity of physical
equations-use basic appliances – vernier calipers, micrometer screw gauge, beam
balance, stop watch etc in measurements.
2. Scalar and Vector quantities.
Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities Derive expression for the resultant of
two vectors Parallelogram, triangle and polygon rules to add vectors. Verify
parallelogram law of forces. Resolve a vector into two perpendicular vectors. Use
analytical method to add a number of coplanar vectors acting at a point
3. Kinematics.
Define displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration. Displacement-time graph velocity
–time graph equations of motion for uniformly accelerated motion, solving problems
Equations of motion for bodies projected vertically upwards and falling under gravity.
Determine ‘g’ using simple pendulum and centi-seconds timer. Derive expressions for h
max, t, and R max for an inclined projectile
4. Dynamics.
1
Types of forces Use a vector diagram to represent forces in equilibrium. Define moment
of a force and torque State the principle of moments-conditions of equilibrium for a
of moments. Laws of friction. Coefficient of friction; experiments on static and kinetic
friction. Effects of friction.
5. Linear Momentum and Collisions.
State Newton’s laws of motion Verify using ticker timer Solve problems. State the law of
conservation of momentum- Elastic and inelastic collisions; energy and momentum
changes.
6. Work, Energy, Power
Define work. Derive kinetic energy E k = ½ m v2 Distinguish between gravitational
potential energy, electrical potential energy and elastic potential energy. Derive the
formula E p = m g h for potential energy change near the Earth’s surface, Define power
as work done per unit time and derive it as the product of force and velocity. State the
law of conservation of energy. Explain solar, geothermal, fusion, wind ocean and bio gas
as alternative sources for diminishing energy.
7. Motion in a circle
Explain the meaning of ‘uniform circular motion’. Express angular displacement in
radians. Derive the relation between linear velocity and angular velocity. Show that
2
; also a = V2 /r. and centripetal force by Fc =
m v2/ r Explain centrifugal force as a force equal and opposite to centripetal force.
Applications of centripetal force and centrifugal force.
8. Gravitational Field.
State Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. Newton’s law of Universal Gravitation. Define
gravitational constant ‘G’. Newton’s law in deriving an expression to determine the mass
of the Sun. Derive the expression, g = GM / r2 for the gravitational field strength of a
point mass, gravitational field and electric field. Show an understanding of the
geostationary orbits and their applications. Understand the concept of escape velocity and
recall and use the equation v = 2GMe / re.
9. Rotational Motion.
Explain the difference between circular motion and rotational motion Use equations of
angular motion. Derive expression for the kinetic energy of a rotating body and define
2
. Derive expression for the moment of inertia of a
flywheel. Determine the moment of inertia of a flywheel. Derive the relationship between
torque, moment of inertia and angular velocity. Define angular momentum and use the
applications solve problems in solving problems.
10. Oscillations.
2
Explain the meaning of the terms; amplitude, frequency, angular velocity, period, phase
difference ,period in terms of both frequency and angular velocity.
2
= +/- - x 2) 1/2 and a = - 2x for a body in SHM. Graphical illustration of the change
in displacement, velocity and acceleration during SHM with time. Describe the
interchange between kinetic and potential energy during SHM. practical examples of
damping oscillations with particular reference to the effects of degree of damping and the
importance of critical damping in the case as car suspension system. Explain the
meanings of forced oscillations, resonance and sharpness of resonance.
11. Direct current Circuits.
Define charge, current, potential difference, resistance, power and energy and their units.
State and verify Ohm’s law, resistors in series and in parallel. Define temperature
Sketch and explain the I-V characteristics of a metallic conductor at constant
temperature, a filament lamp
of a cell and internal resistance r = (E -V)/I. State Kirchoff’s laws and use them in simple
circuits. Use potentiometer to determine the ratio of e. m. fs of two cells, ratio of small
resistances and to determine the internal resistance of a cell.
Prescribed Book
1. Serway Jewett, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 6th edition, (2004), Thomson
Brooks/Cole
Recommended Books
1. F. J. Bueche, Principles of Physics, (1995), McGraw-Hill, USA.
2. A. Halpern, 3000 Solved Problems in Physics, Shaum’s Solved Problem Series, McGraw-
Hil, USA.
3. Fredrick. J. Bueche and Euegene Hecht, College Physics, 9th ed., Shaum’s Outlines
Series, McGraw-Hil, USA.
