Study Guide

Objective

The course teaches basic physics concepts such as power, torque, energy and momentum. The concepts are applied to bodies in motion and in equilibrium.

Content

Unit conversions, formulas
Graphical descriptions of movement
Velocity, acceleration
Vectors in physics
Curvilinear motion and normal acceleration
Forces and Newton's laws
Energy, work, the work-energy principle
Power and efficiency
Impulse and momentum
Torques
Center of mass
Mechanical equilibrium
Truss analysis

Qualifications

Functions and Equations 1 (recommended)

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

- Can handle unit conversions and correct rounding of answers.
- Can calculate the sought quantity from formulas.
- Can determine components and add vectors.
- Understands the meaning of central quantities and concepts in kinematics.
- Can do standard calculations with motion in one dimension.
- Can calculate centripetal acceleration.
- Is familiar with different types of force and can draw free-body diagrams.
- Can apply Newton's laws in one-dimensional situations.
- Knows the different forms of mechanical energy.
- Can calculate with mechanical energy, work, power and efficiency.
- Can calculate impulse based on (t, F) diagram.
- Can calculate with impulses and momenta.
- Can determine the result of completely inelastic head-on collisions in one dimension.
- Can calculate the center of mass for simple shapes.
- Can calculate torques from one or more forces.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

- Can calculate the sought quantity by combining several different formulas.
- Can apply vector algebra to two-dimensional physical problems.
- Can calculate with one-dimensional motion with varying speed.
- Can perform simpler calculations with movement in two dimensions, such as uniform circular motion.
- Can apply Newton's laws to simple two-dimensional situations such as inclined planes.
- Can apply the energy principle when the mechanical energy is conserved.
- Can determine the result of completely inelastic oblique collisions.
- Can calculate the center of mass for combinations of simple shapes.
- Can draw force diagrams and apply equilibrium conditions in two-dimensional situations.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

- Can derive new formulas by combining formulas.
- Can apply vector algebra to three-dimensional problems.
- Can calculate with curved and tangentially accelerated motion in two dimensions.
- Can apply Newton's laws in more demanding two- and three-dimensional situations, such as multi-body problems and superelevated curves.
- Can apply the work-energy principle when non-mechanical energy forms and external work are involved.
- Can determine the result of elastic head-on collisions in one dimension.
- Can perform calculations involving both the energy principle and the law of conservation of momentum..
- Can apply equilibrium conditions to two-dimensional problems with multiple bodies.
- Can analyse flat trusses with the method of joints and the method of sections.

Materials

Documents containing theory and exercises
Course book