| SYLLABUS (revised 9/1/11) | ||
| Week beginning | Subject | Reading |
| 8/29 | Velocity, constant acceleration | Text: p. 56 - 69 |
| 9/5 | Motion in two dimensions; Newton's laws of motion | Text: p. 80 - 90 |
| 9/12 | The force of gravity; curved motion | Text: p. 96 - 110 |
| 9/19 | The moon's orbit; Kepler's laws | |
| 9/26 | The Law of Universal Gravitation | |
| 10/3 | The solar system; EXAM OCT. 5 | Astronomy notes 1 |
| 10/10 | Motion of the stars; gravitation beyond the solar system | Astronomy notes 2 |
| 10/17 | Exoplanets | Astronomy notes 3 |
| 10/24 | The galaxy; work and energy | Text: p. 162 - 176 |
| 10/31 | Heat and temperature | Text: p. 227 - 246 |
| 11/7 | Change of phase | |
| 11/14 | EXAM NOV. 14 | |
After this date, classes will be optional. This latter part of the course covers various subjects in nuclear physics, including radioactivity, nuclear reactors, and nuclear arms control. By clicking on "Nuclear Physics", above, you will reach the main site for this part of the course, entitled "Overview." It is a summary of the main points of this unit. It indicates a reasonable order in which to study the material. You will find links to all other sites.
One of the purposes of introducing the web in this course is to give students the opportunity to choose among various related subjects, according to their own interests. At the end of the "Overview" there are three lists of sites.
The final exam will not be cumulative. It will cover only material on the nuclear physics web pages. The exam will be written in such a way that if you answer correctly all questions on the required sites, and answer correctly the questions on any five of the sites for choice, you will get 100%. It will also be possible to get a grade higher than 100% by answering questions on more than five of the sites for choice.
Most sites have a listing of "Key Concepts" at the end to help focus your studying.
There are also links to three problem sets, labelled Problem Sets 4, 5 and 6. Students are responsible for working out these problems. The web sites contain links to answers and explanations of these problems.
Although attendance is not required, the class will meet on the remaining class days for informal discussion of the material on the web site, and for answering questions. These classes may be less than the usual one-hour length. But note that the lecture class will not be held on Nov. 16. We will also go over questions on the problem sets. On Dec. 14 we will review the latter part of the course.
If you need help locating or using the web site, one place to go is the Library Cafe, where you will be able to get instruction. Although you don't have to study this material until the latter part of the semester, I suggest you begin working on it immediately after the second exam. Don't leave it for the last week or two in the semester. Also, since occasionally students have technical problems with the internet connection, make sure you try the site and explore a few links early in the semester.
Laboratory classes will meet in the usual way, through the entire 14 weeks of the semester, as indicated on your lab schedule.
Policy on missed exams: If you miss one of the two exams during the term, you must present evidence of a valid excuse. In that case you will be allowed to take a make-up of that exam immediately following the final exam.
GRADES: