Physics 116 - Mechanics

This course will begin with a description of the motion of particles and introduce Newton’s dynamical laws and a number of important force laws. We will apply these laws to a wide range of problems to gain a better understanding of the laws and to demonstrate the generality of the framework. The important concepts of work, mechanical energy, and linear and angular momentum will be introduced and the unifying idea of conservation laws will be discussed. Additional topics may include, the study of mechanical waves, fluid mechanics and rotational dynamics. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.

To provide course interaction we will do required synchronous small group meetings, required synchronous individual meetings with the instructors, and some optional synchronous meetings. However, the main class lectures and laboratory exercise will be done remotely.

Requisite: MATH 111. Limited to 48 students. Fall semester:The Department. Spring semester: Professor Carter, Dr. Moyer