This is a pre-calculus course covering fundamental topics in Oscillations and Heat.
1. Simple Harmonic Motion: Introduction to Hooke's Law and definition of simple harmonic motion. Treatment of light spring-mass system as simple harmonic oscillator. The displacement-time graph for SHM and the application of x =A cos(w t) or x =A sin(w t) to interpret the results. Expressions for velocity, acceleration and period for SHM. Energy considerations and conservation for SHM. The Simple Pendulum.
2. Temperature and Thermometers: Thermal equilibrium and the Zeroth law of thermodynamics. Thermal expansion. The Gas laws and absolute temperature. The ideal gas law. The ideal gas law in terms of molecules. Avogadro's number. Kinetic theory. Real gases and change of phase. Vapour pressure and humidity.
3. Heat and Internal energy. Specific heat capacity. Latent heat. Calorimetry. Heat transfer: Conduction, convection and radiation. First law of thermodynamics. First law applied to simple processes including isobaric and isothermal processes.
After completing this course, students should be able to:
Required Textbook:
Cutnell, and Johnson; “Physics ”; 8th Edition, 2009. ISBN 978-0-470-22355-0
Internet Sources:
1. An online suite of resources: www.wiley.com/college/wileyplus
2. Self-assessment: www.wiley.com/college/cutnell
3. Online lectures: http://academicearth.org/courses/fundamentals-of-physics
4. Online tutorials: http://www.dmoz.org/Science/Physics/Education/Tutorials/
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