Physics Lecture: Course Introduction and Newtonian Mechanics

Course Overview

• Course Content: Introduction to major ideas in physics - from Galileo and Newton to relativity and quantum mechanics.

  • Target audience is broad; applicable to various majors.
  • Topics may seem irrelevant now but can be useful unexpectedly.

• Course Organization:

  • Lecture times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30-12:45.
  • Lectures will be taped as part of a pilot program by the Hewlett Foundation.
  • Reference materials and further details are available on the course website.

• Assignments:

  • Problems assigned on Wednesdays, due before the following class.
  • Solutions posted the same afternoon.
  • Late submissions only accepted with reasonable excuses.

• Grading:

  • Homework: 20%
  • Midterm: 30%
  • Final Exam: 50%
  • "Amnesty Plan": Final exam score can replace lower weighted average grade.

Teaching Assistants and Sections

• Head TA: Mara Daniel

  • Responsible for collecting and returning problem sets.

• Discussion Sections:

  • Mark Caprio: Tuesday 1:00-2:00 PM, Sloane Lab.
  • Steve Furlanetto: Tuesday night, Dunham Lab, Room 220.

• Office Hours:

  • Yet to be determined, will be based on class feedback.
  • For procedural issues, contact the head TA.

Tips for Success

• Lecture Attendance: Important for understanding essential material not covered in books.
• Homework: Crucial for mastering physics; collaborate with peers but ensure personal understanding.
• Utilize TA and Lounge Resources: TAs available in the undergraduate lounge for assistance.
• Class Etiquette:
  • Avoid talking during lectures to minimize distractions.
  • Sleeping in class is permissible if non-disruptive.

Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics

• Historical Context: Newton's laws set foundation for understanding natural phenomena.
• Course Focus: Simplifying complex ideas to fundamental laws on kinematics and dynamics.

Fundamentals of Kinematics

• Kinematics vs. Dynamics:

  • Kinematics: Describes the present state.
  • Dynamics: Explains changes and reasons for motion.

• Basic Concepts:

  • Movement along a single axis (1D motion).
  • Position, velocity, and acceleration as functions of time.

• Mathematical Representation:

  • Position function: x(t)
  • Velocity: Derivative of position, v(t) = dx/dt
  • Acceleration: Second derivative of position, a(t) = d²x/dt²

Constant Acceleration

• Common Scenario: Objects in free fall (constant acceleration due to gravity).
• Key Equations:
  • Position: x(t) = x_0 + v_0t + 1/2at²
  • Velocity: v(t) = v_0 + at
  • Velocity as a function of position: v² = v_0² + 2a(x - x_0)

Problem-Solving Example

• Example Problem: Calculating maximum height and the time of fall for an object thrown upwards.

  • Initial conditions: y_0 = 15 meters, v_0 = 10 m/s, a = -10 m/s² (gravity approximation).
  • Maximum height calculation using velocity = 0 at the peak.
  • Determining time to hit the ground and corresponding velocity using provided equations.

• Mathematics in Physics: Importance of intuition and understanding over rote memorization.

Conclusion

• Future Classes: Focus on more complex motion problems and multidimensional analysis.
• Homework: Begin assigned problems early and leverage lecture material for problem-solving.