What is Physics 107? This course is the first term of a three-term sequence, 107-8-9, covering the same material as Physics 103-4. It is aimed at those students who should take 103-4 but don't have the math/physics background for the fast pace of 103-4. The slower pace of Physics 107-8-9 allows for extra time on the math as well as the more puzzling concepts (energy, angular momentum, oscillations) of basic physics. Physics 107-8-9 satisfies the physics requirement for engineering students.
Who should take Physics 107? Students who want a solid understanding of basic physics but might have trouble with the pace of Physics 103-4 should think about Physics 107-8-9. Consideration should be given to your high school math and physics preparation and your grades on the Physics 103 quizzes. If you are thinking of taking Physics 107, discuss it with your advisor. You are also encouraged to make an appointment with me (Ed Groth) by emailing to groth@physics.princeton.edu or phoning 8-4361.
How do you get into Physics 107? Initially there is no Physics 107, only Physics 103! So sign up for Physics 103, buy the Physics 103 materials, and go to the initial Physics 103 lecture on Friday, September 15, 2000 at either 9 or 10 am in McDonnell A02. (Physics 107 uses the same textbook, learning guides, lab notebook and manual as Physics 103.) If you and your advisor are reasonably sure that Physics 107-8-9 is for you, enroll in class section 5 and lab section 8 of Physics 103. After three weeks these will become Physics 107. At that time, you will be able to transfer into or out of Physics 107 subject to the maximum enrollment (24) in Physics 107.
What else should you know about Physics 107? After the course forms three weeks into the term, it will no longer be possible to transfer between Physics 103 and 107 (due to the different pace in the two courses). Engineering students who elect Physics 107 are also making a commitment to take Physics 108 and 109 to satisfy the physics requirement for engineering. Due to the small enrollment in Physics 107, there will be only one class, lab, and lecture section. We will meet for class/lecture on MTWF at 10 and for lab at 7:30 on Wednesday evenings. You must be able to attend all parts of the course to enroll. Similar constraints will exist for Physics 108-9.
What will you learn in Physics 107? We focus on mechanics-the study of motion and its causes. We learn how to describe linear and rotational motion; we learn about forces and torques that cause changes in motion, and about mass and rotational inertia that resist these changes. We learn about special kinds of motion such as oscillations and orbits, Along the way, we'll encounter some of the fundamental principles of modern physics: the conservation laws for momentum, angular momentum, and energy!
Here's a picture of me and my bike. Like many everyday
objects, bikes illustrate a lot of basic physics. Here are some
questions I hope you can answer by the time you finish Physics
107-8-9. How are the gears on a bike like levers? Why do the
spokes go at those odd angles? What's a simple way to check if
all your spokes have about the same tension? If you ship your bike by air,
you'll probably be asked to let the air out of the tires. Does
this make sense? How many watts are you expending when you ride
up a 5% grade at 10 mph? How do you maintain your balance on a
bike? What happens to your energy of motion when you apply the
brakes?
Maybe you can think of additional questions to add to the
list!
Course Instructor: Ed Groth, Jadwin 264, x8-4361, groth@physics.princeton.edu.
Office Hours: Most afternoons - give a call before walking across campus! Almost surely Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, 2:30-4:00 pm.
Teaching Assistant: Mukund Rangamani, Jadwin 428, x8-5932, rmukund@princeton.edu.
Office Hours: Most afternoons - give a call before walking across campus! Almost surely Thursday afternoons, 2:30-4:00 pm.
Course Manager: Martin Kicinski, Jadwin 208, x8-4418, martin@pupgg.princeton.edu.
Lab Wizard: Jim Ewart, McDonnell 103, x8-4381, jimew@princeton.edu.
Difficulties: Students having difficulty are encouraged to see me (groth@physics.princeton.edu, 8-4361), their academic advisor, and their Director of Studies.