PHYS 141-10, Introductory Mechanics

PHYS-141-10, Fall, 2021, MTWR 1:10 PM - 2:00 PM, 53-202

For more information (assignments, solutions, exams, etc.), please see either of these two classes:

141, Winter 2021
141, Fall 2019 Links to an external site., (before Canvas), as well as

Pete Schwartz, Cal Poly Physics, Pete's Webpage Links to an external site., directory of all classes Links to an external site., Solar Electric Cooking Research Links to an external site.
Email: pschwart@calpoly.edu,
805-756-1220
Office hours: Mon & Wed & Thurs: 12:10, immediately before class
outside the classroom, 53-202
Tues & Thurs: 2:10, immediately after class
outside the classroom, 53-202

The syllabus explains the class policies including how your grade is determined. I grade differently than other instructors, so the first step in taking responsibility for your grade is to know the syllabus. Spoiler: a larger portion of your grade depends on class preparation: reading and posting to Canvas discussions, and watching videos via PlayPosit.

Please see video explaining our unique way of learning physics by watching this video: How we are learning physics Links to an external site.. Students often struggle adopting this way of learning and don't like it at the end of week 2, but ultimately prefer it over the "regular" way to learn physics. My comprehensive evaluations are posted on each class website (link to directory above) for you to read if you like.

I wrote a short Text/Work book Links to an external site. for the class. It has about a tenth the amount of text as standard textbooks. It's short and I'll give you each chapter in class. So, I expect everyone to read each section and write all over it before we address the topic in class. This guide is short enough to read, so please make a commitment to do that!

Description of Video Project #1
Description of Video Project #2. Example of the video project #2 Links to an external site.

Group project:

Student Communication:
Final Student Evaluations Download Final Student Evaluations

On Pete and Cheating Download Pete and Cheating

To see the week's assignments, please click on the number of the week at left on the table below.

Wk 1	Getting to know each other and the learning method, Introduction to four "lenses"
Wk 2	How to set up a problem, getting used to using lenses, video analysis
Wk 3	Vectors, Springs, Potential Energy Graphs,... Video Project #1
Wk 4	Vector Review, Changing Reference Frames, Elastic Collisions, friction
Wk 5	Four Lenses for Rotational Motion, Torque, Moment of Inertia, Statics
Wk 6	Angular Momentum, Gravity, Centripetal Acceleration, Loop the loop
Wk 7	Satellites, Systems, Parallel Axis... Video Project #2
Wk 8	Components
Wk 9	Angular Momentum, Precession
Wk 10	Trig., kinematic formulas, precession
Finals	Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7:10 PM, common final, in our classroom

Auxiliary Website Links to an external site.

As I try to improve the class, I am keeping Notes to Self Links to an external site.

PHYS-141-10-2218 - General Physics IA

PHYS 141-10, Introductory Mechanics