PHYSICS 20: GENERAL PHYSICS

Physics 20 is the first course in a six-quarter sequence for majors and others seriously interested in physics. Calculus is not a prerequisite; we will learn to use calculus as we go. You should be taking calculus at the same time though. The subject of the first quarter will be the beginnings of classical mechanics.

Discussion Sections:

There are three one-hour discussion sections, all held on Thursday afternoon. You should plan to attend one of them. Check on Gold to see which one you have been assigned to. If you have a conflict, show up for one of the other ones. The first is at 12:00 in Phelps 1508, the second is at at 2:00 in Phelps 1444, and the third is at 3:00 in Girvetz 2112. Phelps is West and slightly North (i.e. toward the mountains) from Chemistry. Girvetz is West of the Library.

Texts:

There are two textbooks for the 20-22 series. "Physics", Volume I by Resnick, Halliday and Krane (RH&K) is what I would call the "bread and butter" text. I will rely on it heavily, pretty much follow its order of presentation, etc., and you should make sure you understand it thoroughly. The problem with this text is that I find the current edition (the 5th), to be inferior to the 4th edition in clarity and in the order of presentation.

Rather than require an out-of-print text, I have purchased 18 copies of the 4th edition and placed them on reserve in the Library. If you want your own copy of the 4th edition, I don't think you will have too much trouble finding one online for a few dollars. The ISBN is 0471804584. Alternatively, you can purchase the 5th edition and skip around a bit as we go. I did not have the bookstore order this text, so again you should buy it online. The ISBN for the 5th edition is 0471320579.

The second text for this year is a more advanced (and much more elegant) book called, "An Introduction to Mechanics," by Kleppner and Kolenkow (K&K) which is also on reserve in the Library. Unless you are wealthy, you should check out the international edition, or used copies of K&K!

You can check a copy of either text out for 2 hours at a time from the Circulation Desk. The goal is to thoroughly understand RH&K, while working up to the K&K level, which presupposes a good grasp of calculus.

Homework:

Homework will be due Fridays at the beginning of discussion, and it will be worth 20%. You are on your honor to do each homework problem alone without help from anyone. This is the only effective way to prepare for the exams. It is also how you will learn to think like a physicist, and develop the ability to apply the principles of physics in confusing situations. (Like during exams!)

I do encourage you to discuss the concepts and work on non-assigned problems with your friends. I also encourage you to get help from me Nick and Jonathan in wrestling with the concepts and the math. If you remain stuck on a problem after many hours, come and see me, and I will try to figure out what you need to study.

To help your homework scores, take the time to write up each problem carefully (not compulsively, just neatly). This also helps to really cement in the fundamental principles.

If you just can't do one or two of the homework problems on your own, it is OK to work on those problems with a classmate who is also having trouble with them. (I advise doing this only after consulting with me, Nick or Jonathan.) What you don't want to do is "work with" someone who is much closer to knowing how to solve them. Doing this just deprives you of the benefits of that particular problem. Also, don't forget that the only way known to mankind to do well on physics exams is to come in with the confidence that comes from having solved many problems on your own.

Preparation for Lecture:

Study the assigned sections before lecture. We will spend most of our time together in lecture discussing major concepts subtle points and examples. I will feel free to ask any of you to explain anything in the assigned reading, so please don't come unprepared.

How to Study a Physics Book:

Read carefully, trying to sketch and/or imagine things for yourself as you go. When you come to an Example, cover it up and only look at the question, not the solution. If you can work it out for yourself relatively easily, you are ready to continue reading. If you can't, you are reading too carelessly. Go back and think about the section until you get it for sure. When the book says something you don't understand, go on a little way and see if it becomes clear. If not, get it cleared up before proceeding. The whole process is very much "step by step".

Don't skim over the whole chapter and think you will get things straight by working on the homework. This will make everything much much harder than it has to be, and it will mean that you won't ever understand the principles very well. By the time you attack the problems you should feel that you have a good grasp of the material and you should be confident you understand the major principles. Of course, you will hit problems that are baffling, and perhaps baffling for days on end. However, if you understand the principles well, you will attack them rationally and not waste time trying things that are wishful thinking and not physics.

Study Center:

The Physics Study Center is located on the ground floor of Broida Hall, and is staffed with teaching assistants during working hours. You can ask any teaching assistant for help in understanding the subject, but don't ask anyone to help you solve an assigned problem.