1. Physics 250A Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics Dr. Fortner FW 204 fortner@physics.niu.edu

2. Course Content  Physics—the science of energy and matter. Mechanics—the motion of physical objectsMechanics—the motion of physical objects  Lectures Power point slides and demonstrationsPower point slides and demonstrations Text readings and problemsText readings and problems  Laboratories Experimental labsExperimental labs Problem labsProblem labs

3. Web Pages  www.physics.niu.edu/~physlabs/Phys250A.html www.physics.niu.edu/~physlabs/Phys250A.html Description and goalsDescription and goals Lectures slidesLectures slides Laboratory handoutsLaboratory handouts AssignmentsAssignments Grading scaleGrading scale  Text: www.prenhall.com/giancoli www.prenhall.com/giancoli

4. Course Topics 1. Measurement and motion 2. Motion in two and three dimensions 3. Newton’s laws of force 4. Circular motion and gravity 5. Conservation of energy 6. Conservation of momentum 7. Conservation of angular momentum

5. Laboratories Experimental labs Experimental labs  Measurement  Data analysis  Data presentation Problem labs  Story problems  Equation handling  Solution strategy One pair of labs for each course topic

6. Problems and Quizzes Problems Problems  Due the day of the quiz  Solutions and help available in the Help Room (FR 225)  Use TA and instructor office hours for help if needed  Problems are “easy” points Quizzes  One covering each topic  Multiple choice, short answer and problems  Throw out the lowest grade of the seven quizzes  Final equal to two quizzes and covers the whole course

7. How to Do Well  Skim the text before class to get a head start on the lecture.  Don’t just take notes in class (try to also listen). Slides are on the web page and can be printed out.  Do the problems, they are great practice.  Do well on early tests and then relax on later tests.  Do extra credit.  Ask questions: in class, after class, or during office hours. next