PHSCS 121
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Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics
Physics and Astronomy
College of Computational, Mathematical, & Physical Sciences
Course Description
Physics 121 provides a calculus-based introduction to Newtonian physics. Students explore the laws governing the natural world through the study of motion and energy and develop technical problem-solving skills. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the physical world and how scientists model physical phenomena.
When Taught
Fall, Winter, Spring
Min
3
Fixed/Max
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
1
Other Prerequisites
Calculus or concurrent enrollment.
Note
Also offered by BYU Independent Study; enroll anytime throughout year; one year to complete; additional tuition required; register at is.byu.edu.
Title
Units and Measurements
Learning Outcome
Express physical quantities with correct units, convert quantities between unit systems, and follow good practices when representing physical quantities with finite precision
Title
Position, Velocity, and Acceleration
Learning Outcome
Use vector notation to describe position, velocity, and acceleration of particles in one and two dimensions. Understand how time derivatives and the fundamental theorem of calculus connect these three concepts.
Title
Energy and Momentum
Learning Outcome
Use the ideas of energy, work, power, linear momentum, impulse, and angular momentum to analyze the motion of a system, including systems in which collisions occur
Title
Newton's Laws
Learning Outcome
Understand Newton’s three laws of motion and use them to solve conceptual and numerical problems. Use Newton's Second Law to calculate the motion of particles and extended objects in translation, rotation, and simple harmonic oscillation given a set of forces and torques acting on them. Represent motion in one and two dimensions using Cartesian and polar coordinates. Use Newton's law of gravity to calculate how massive objects move over distances that are large compared to the size of the objects. Connect Newton’s law of gravity to Kepler’s Laws of planetary motion
Title
Physical Reasoning
Learning Outcome
Practice reasoning about everyday phenomena using the language of math and physics. Learn how to use models to describe observations and make physical predictions
