PHY 2020 Introduction to Principles of Physics
Fall 2008

Lectures:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1.55 p.m.

Classroom: 1002 New Physics Building

Lecturer:  Prof. John Yelton
yelton@phys.ufl.edu
2031 New Physics Building
392-8475
Office Hours Wed. 8th period 3.00-3.45 & Thurs, 3rd period 9:35-10:25

The following is the guaranteed grading scale - 80% for an "A", 72.5 "B+", 65% for a "B", 57.5% for a "C+" 50% for a "C", 42.5% for a "D+". If you achieve what you want without coming to the final that's fine with me.
ALL SCORES NOW AVAILABLE
Simply click here for the .pdf file. Note: There are 4 scores for 4 test, followed by two scores which were the final cut into two halves. Then the dropped points (the lowest of the 6 numbers and half the second lowest). Then the H-ITT, then the bonus H-ITT questions, then the overall score (out of 100 if it were not for the bonuses). Then the pseudonym. Then the grade. Note that I lowered the levels required for a grade a little bit. Grades are not negotiable, but I if I have actually made mistakes, please let me know.
Solutions for test 1 - click here for the .pdf file.

Solutions for test 2 - click here for the .pdf file.

Solutions for test 3 - click here for the .pdf file.

Solutions for test 4 - click here for the .pdf file.

The final is based on the entire semester's work. Of course, I realize that it is a long time since August, so there will be some easier questions along with my favorites.

Formulae for test 4 - click here for the .pdf file.

Text:  Douglas Giancoli, "The Ideas of Physics", 3rd edition, published by Brooks/Cole
The textbook is advised, but not obligatory. This text has been unchanged for several years (but can be found with a variety of different formats, my copy says copyright 2001). Note that the material that will be covered in the tests is that covered in class. Although the order of the book is followed, some subjects may be expanded upon, and some may be shortened. One purchases that you must make (in order to get full points!):

  • An H-ITT remote. These are obtainable at the bookstore. To make sure that you have the correct one look at this website. Physics H-ITT remotes It needs to be one of the new RF remotes, as described on the website, and it does have to be an H-ITT remote as pictured there, not one of the TurningPoint remotes that look like credit cards. Follow the links on the remotes website to see how to register and use them. We will not start using them for credit until drop/add is over, but if you have them, bring them to class. The remotes will enable you to take part in the in-class multiple choice quiz questions that are generally given every lecture period, and constitute 10% of your grade.

    Grading policy. Maximum total possible 100 points.
  • a) Tests There are 4 in-class tests during the semester, each of which are 20 points. There is a final exam, worth 40 points. This final score is divided into two halves, so that gives 6 blocks of 20 points each. They are then ordered from highest to lowest. The top 4 are taken (max 80 points), the fifth is halved (max 10 points), the last is dropped. That gives 90 points from tests, that is 90% of the grade is in tests. The tests will be in a "short-answer" format - not multiple choice. Essential formulae will be supplied for the test. No crib-sheets or books may be used. Calculators are not necessary.
  • b) In-class Quizzes Use of the H-ITT clickers is worth 10% of the grade. Each question is worth 2 points for a correct answer and 1 point for a wrong answer. One quarter of the questions are dropped. Giving your H-ITT clicker to someone else is considered cheating!
    Note that one test is dropped, and 25% of the in-class questions are dropped. Because of this generous dropping policy, there are no make-ups. If you miss a test then that is your drop. (Note that students who are out for a long time should always inform the lecturer, to see what can be done.)
    Philosophy of the course This course is designed for people who do not necessarily have a background in physics. We accent the physics of everyday life. We hope that this can serve as a foundation that will help if you are going to take, for instance, PHY2053 or PHY2048, as well as being a good survey of the basics of physics that will stay for you for the rest of your lives. There is no obligatory homework (but there is recommended homework). Therefore, students who have a good background can do well in this course putting in relatively few hours of work. However, if you do not attend class, you will not only miss the opportunity of getting 10% of the grade, you will also miss the explanations and examples that it will be necessary to understand for the tests. The course moves FAST - often one subject per class period. If you miss class, you will miss an entire subject - be warned.
    To give an idea of what the tests will be like, here are the tests from last year (same professor!). Solutions are included.
    First test solutions, in 4 pages (.jpg files). 1 2 3 4
    Second test solutions, in 5 pages (.jpg files). 1 2 3 4 5
    Third test solutions are in .pdf format. Click here.
    Fourth test solutions in .pdf format.Click here.

    Calender of Events
    Please do not print this out! It will likely changes as the semester progresses, depending on how long we take on each subject, how well people do in tests, etc. The test dates are also preliminary. I will make sure that it is changed regularly so that you can always see which chapters/topics are covered for each test.
    8/25 : First lecture Chapter 1-2 (Introduction to Course and to Physics)
    8/27: Lecture 2 Chapters 3 (Description of Motion)
    8/29: Lecture 3 Chapter 3 (Falling Bodies)
    9/1 No class. MLK day.
    9/3 Lecture 4 Chapter 4 (Newton's Laws)
    9/5: Lecture 5 Chapter 5 (Newton's Laws in 3D)
    9/8: Lecture 6 Chapter 5 (Newton's Laws in 3D)
    9/10: Lecture 7 Chapter 6 (Gravity and Circular Motion)
    9/12: Lecture 8 Chapter 6 (Gravity and Circular Motion)
    9/15: Lecture 9 Chapter 7 (Work and Energy)
    9/17: Test #1 (Up to and including Chapter 6)
    9/19: Lecture 10 Chapter 7 (Work and Energy)
    9/22: Lecture 11 Chapter 8 (Work and Energy)
    9/24: Lecture 12 Chapter 8 (Momentum)
    9/26 Lecture 13 Chapter 9 (Momentum)
    9/29: Lecture 14 Chapter 9 (Rotational Motion)
    10/1: Lecture 15 Chapter 9 (Rotational Motion)
    10/3: Lecture 16 Chapter 9 (Rotational Motion)
    10/6: Lecture 17 Chapter 10 (Statics - Equilbrium)
    10/8 Lecture 18 Chapter 10 (Statics - Equilibrium/Structure of Matter )
    10/10: Test #2 (Chapters 6 through 9)
    10/13: Lecture 19 Chapter 11 (Structure of Matter)
    10/15: Lecture 20 Chapter 11 (Scaling)
    10/17: Lecture 21 Chapter 12 (Archimedes)
    10/20: Lecture 22 Chapter 12 (Fluids in motion)
    10/22: Lecture 23 Chapter 13 (Temperature)
    10/24: Homecoming - no class
    10/27: Lecture 24 Chapter 14 (Heat etc)
    10/29: Lecture 25 Chapter 14
    10/31: Lecture 26 Chapter 16 (Wave motion)
    11/3 Lecture 27 Chapter 16 (Wave motion)
    11/5 Test #3 (Chapters 10-14)
    11/7: Lecture 28 Chapter 17 (Sound)
    11/10: Lecture 29 Chapter 18 (Electrostatics)
    11/12: Lecture 30 Chapter 19 (Electric Currents)
    11/14: Lecture 31 Chapter 19 (Electric Currents)
    11/17: Lecture 32 Chapter 19 (Electric Currents)
    11/19: Lecture 33 Chapter 20 (Magnetism)
    11/21: Lecture 34 Chapter 21 (Electromagnetism)
    11/24: Lecture 35 Chapter 21 (Electromagnetism)
    11/26: Lecture 36 By popular acclaim no class. Go give thanks.
    11/28 Thanksgiving break
    12/1: Lecture 37 Chapter 22 (Light - reflection)
    12/3: Lecture 39 Light - refraction/dispersion
    12/5: Lecture 40 Light - polarization/scattering
    12/8: Test #4 (Chapters 16-22 (includes Monday's lecture, but not Wed/Fri)
    12/10: Review
    12/12: Dead Week
    12/17: (Wednesday). Final exam 7.30 a.m. Regular classroom. I didn't choose the time. Some people really need to start at 7.30. Others can start at 8.30. If you want to start at 8.30 please do not enter the room until I invite you in. In principle you have 2 hours, but I expect that it will not take that long.

    Hints on how to do well:
  • Attend Class Remember, the syllabus is defined by what is covered in lectures. You will not be tested on material not covered in class. If you miss class, my advice is to ask a class-mate for notes. I am happy to explain things in office hours which you did not understand. I am not so happy to explain things that you have not seen because you were not in class and did not get anybody's notes..
  • Be on time for class. Announcements are generally made at the beginning of each lecture, and you are responsible for learning of these whether you attend class or not.
  • If you are struggling, ask for help. The best way to get hold of me is after class, in our assigned office hours, or by e-mail. It is tough to discuss physics by e-mail, so it is better to make questions specific. If you want to discuss physics and cannot make time during my office hours, I can be flexible, but check with me first.
    Take Notes Something that is obvious at the time is quickly forgotten. When it comes to the night before a test, you will appreciate a good set of lecture notes.
  • Do some problems Here are are a sample of physics problems, and their solutions, taken from the textbook. Note that they are just are sample for extra practice. The best place to review for the tests are the notes given in class.
    Chapter 3 - numbers 5,8,10,13,16,19,22,23,25,27
    Chapter 4 - numbers 5,7,8,13,15,16
    Chapter 5 - numbers 1,3,5,9,13,15
    Chapter 7 - numbers 3,6,7,9,14,15,19,25,26,27
    Chapter 8 - numbers 2,3,5,7,8,9,11
    Chapter 9 - numbers 3,5,7,9,13,17,21,25
    Chapter 10 - numbers 11,13
    Chapter 11 - numbers 3,6,10
    Chapter 12 - numbers 2,6,10,14,19,21,24
    Chapter 13 - numbers 1,4,9,13,17,21,23
    Chapter 14 - numbers 1,3,7,11,13,16
    Chapter 16 - numbers 1,3,5,9,11,13,15,17,19,21
    Chapter 17 - numbers 3,5,9,13,15,19,21,23,25,29
    Chapter 18 - numbers 3,5,9,11,13,15,17,21
    Chapter 19 - numbers 1,5,7,9,13,15,17,19,21,25
    Chapter 20 - numbers 1,5,9,15
    Chapter 22 - numbers 13,15,17,19,21
    Chapter 23 - numbers 1,7,9,15

    Homework Solutions (courtesy Prof. van Rinsvelt)

    Ch. 3: page 1, page 2
    Ch. 4: page 3
    Ch. 5: page 4
    Ch. 7: page 5
    Ch. 8: page 6
    Ch. 6: page 7
    Ch. 9: page 8
    Ch. 10: page 9
    Ch. 12: page 10
    Ch. 13: page 11
    Ch. 14: page 12
    Ch. 15: page 13
    Ch. 16: page 14
    Ch. 17: page 15, page 16
    Ch. 18: page 20
    Ch. 19: page 21, page 22
    Ch. 20: page 23
    Ch. 22: page 17, page 18
    Ch. 23: page 19