PHYS 101 - Physical Science

4 Credit (3 lecture, 2 lab) 5 Contact Hours [Reading Level 3  and Writing Level 3  and Math Level 4 ]

1. Use significant figures when measuring and performing calculations.
2. Apply the metric system prefixes.
3. Properly measure length, area, and volume in correct units.
4. Perform various conversions (dimensional analysis) using given conversion factors.
5. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative measurements.
6. Differentiate between intensive and extensive physical properties.
7. Problem solving by unit cancellation method.
8. Understand and know the SI system of measurement.

Goal 2:  Apply concepts of Motion and Force to everyday experience.

1. Graphically differentiate between speed, velocity and acceleration.
2. Use mathematical formulas related to speed, velocity, and acceleration.
3. Apply Newton’s Laws of Motion.
4. Solve problems associated with Newton’s Law of Gravitation.
5. Differentiate between Linear and Angular momentum.

Goal 3:  Explain the significance of work and energy in physical transformations.

1. Define work and energy.
2. Differentiate between kinetic and potential energy.
3. Work various problems involving kinetic, potential, and total energy.
4. Understand the relationship between energy and power.
5. Describe various forms of energy.
6. Calculate power usage and costs of operating various electrical devices.
7. Compare and contrast various alternative and renewable energy sources.

Goal 4:  Summarize the significance of temperature and heat in the physical world.

1. Define temperature and heat.
2. Convert temperatures from the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin scales.
3. Demonstrate a knowledge of heat from both the US and SI system.
4. Perform specific heat calculations and describe the meaning of specific heat.
5. Explain and interpret a temperature-energy and phase diagram.
6. Describe the conditions required for a liquid to boil.
7. Discuss the various phases of matter.
8. Discuss the Kinetic Molecular Theory of gases.
9. Perform various calculations using Boyles, Charles, and Combined Gas Laws.

Goal 5:  Demonstrate an understanding of atomic physics.

1. Describe features of both sound and light waves.
2. Know the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to energy, frequency, and wavelength.
3. Describe the history of atomic structure.
4. Provide evidence for the dual nature of light.
5. Use the DeBroglie equation to determine the wavelength of a subatomic particle.
6. Use various equations to determine the energy of photons.
7. Demonstrate an understand of the Bohr model of the atom including electron quantization.
8. Explain how a Bright-Line Spectrum is generated and understand its significance to atomic structure.
9. Calculate energy transitions in a hydrogen atom.
10. Interpret and understand quantum numbers.
11. Describe the shape of s and p atomic orbitals.
12. Perform electron configurations, nobles gas electron configurations, and use the periodic table to predict electron configurations.

Goal 6:  Summarize concepts in nuclear physics.

1. ​Describe the atomic nucleus using nuclear configuration.
2. Identify and differentiate between various isotopes.
3. Calculate average atomic mass given relative abundances of isotopes for a particular element.
4. Explain the significance of Rutherford’s Gold Foil experiment.
5. Perform nuclear reactions involving alpha, beta, gamma, neutron, and positron decay.
6. Perform calculations to determine the half-life of various isotopes.
7. Explain radioactivity and uses of radioactive isotopes.
8. Compare and contrast between nuclear fission and fusion.

Goal 7:  Develop an understanding of introductory inorganic and organic chemistry.

1. Know symbols and names of approximately 50 specific elements.
2. Understand the arrangement of the periodic table.
3. Know the classification scheme of matter.
4. Differentiate between ionic and covalent bonding.
5. Draw Lewis Structures for various molecules.
6. Categorize various organic molecules based on structure.
7. Demonstrate a knowledge of IUPAC nomenclature for alkanes by naming and drawing various alkanes.

Goal 8:  Develop an understanding in one other area of physical science, chosen by the instructor, which may include:  Astronomy, Meteorology, Earth Science, or Geology.