Course | Madison College Outline of Instruction

10806151Technical Science 1

Course Information

Description

First semester of a two-semester technical physics course. This semester covers basic concepts of physics including the kinetic molecular theory, states of matter, pressure, density, thermal properties of matter, methods of heat transfer and the study of elasticity and fluids. The course also introduces basic topics in chemistry. Emphasizes the application of scientific principles to the solution of problems encountered in modern technology.

Total Credits

Course Competencies

Investigate measurement including problem solving and graphing

Assessment Strategies

by writing the appropriate unit in measurements and problem solving with a score of 70 or better

by producing a report of laboratory calculations and graphs with a score of 70 or better

Criteria

you distinguish between the base units for mass, length, volume and time in SI and U.S. Customary System units

you apply the SI prefixes that indicate multiples of base units

you convert from one unit to another unit for the same quantity when given the necessary definitions

you calculate Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and Rankine temperature scales by converting from specific temperatures on one scale to corresponding temperatures on another scale

you distinguish between specific temperatures and temperature intervals converting an interval on one scale to the equivalent material on another scale

you apply a problem-solving procedure to produce a clear written solution to a problem involving physics formulas such as volume, density, etc.

you draw a technically accurate and informative graph of given physical data

you measure and record length, mass, volume, temperature and time using appropriate units in lab exercise activities

you perform problem-solving and graphing activities using lab measurements
Investigate applied chemistry

Assessment Strategies

by completing homework assignments with a score of 70 or better

by producing a report of laboratory calculations and problems/questions with a score of 70 or better

Criteria

you use chemical symbols, formulas and equations to describe elements, compounds and chemical reactions

you determine coefficiences for balancing a given unbalanced chemical equation

you calculate the molecular mass of a given compound

you determine elemental mass percent composition of a given compound

you calculate the molar mass of a given compound and convert between mole and mass measurements of the substance

you determine the chemical formula of a compound by calculating mole ratios from elemental mass percent composition or mass measurements of elements in a compound sample

you solve mass relationship problems for a given chemical reaction using an equation mass proportion formula

you write a complete balanced chemical equation for combustion given the formula for a hydrocarbon fuel

you determine air or fuel requirements for complete combustion and calculate theoretical air/fuel ratios (AFRs)

you observe appropriate lab safety rules and procedures

you calculate mass percent composition and formula determination using lab measurements
Investigate chemical bonding including atomic structure and material properties

Assessment Strategies

by completing homework assignments with a score of 70 or better

by producing a report of laboratory calculations and graphs with a score of 70 or better

Criteria

you compare the mass, electric charge and location in an atom of electrons, protons and neutrons

you explain the electron energy level structure in an atom determining for a given atom the electron distribution in the energy levels or the number of valence electrons

you explain the bonding mechanism for ionic, covalent and metallic chemical bonds

you determine the bond type in a compound given the elements present predicting physical properties of the material that are influenced by the bond type

you use the terms "excited state" and "ground state" of an atom explaining transitions between the states

you use isotopic notation to describe atomic nuclei

you compare the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation

you write a complete balanced nuclear equation for naturally occurring decay of a radioactive nucleus

you solve problems involving half-life decay of a radioactive sample

you explain the applied chemistry of voltaic cells and lead-acid storage cells

you investigate electrochemical cells

you calculate the radioactive half-life of an isotope using lab measurements
Investigate thermal properties of materials and heat transfer

Assessment Strategies

by completing homework assignments with a score of 70 or better

by producing a report of laboratory measurements, calculations and problems/questions with a score of 70 or better

Criteria

you write and interpret formulas for linear and volume thermal expansion utilizing expansion coefficient tables

you calculate thermal expansion

you use heat units (calorie, kilocalorie and British thermal unit) in heat measurements and calculations

you write and interpret formulas for specific heat and latent heats of vaporization and fusion of a material utilizing thermal property tables

you solve problems involving temperature and phase changes of a substance

you solve calorimetry problems involving balanced heat exchange in a thermally insulated system

you write and interpret formulas for hat of combustion and thermal process efficiency

you solve problems involving thermal processes driven by combustion heat sources

you distinguish heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation

you write and interpret formulas for conduction, convection and radiation utilizing heat transfer property tables

you solve problems involving heat transfer

you investigate thermal expansion, temperature and phase changes in materials

you observe lab safety rules and procedures

you calculate thermal properties of materials using lab measurements
Investigate elasticity, stress and strain, pressure and fluids at rest, fluids in motion, gas laws

Assessment Strategies

by completing homework assignments with a score of 70 or better

by producing a report of laboratory measurements, calculations, graphs and problems/questions with a score of 70 or better

Criteria

you write and interpret formulas for definition of stress and strain

you distinguish between electric and plastic deformation

you explain elastic limit, ultimate strength and Young's modulus of a material utilizing tables of these properties

you write and interpret the formula for Young's modulus (elasticity) of a material

you solve problems involving stress, strain and elasticity

you use the density and specific gravity to describe materials

you distinguish between absolute and gauge pressure scales and normal atmospheric pressure

you write and interpret formulas for fluid pressure and buoyant force

you solve problems involving pressure, the hydraulic press, pressure measuring devices, and buoyant forces

you solve problems involving flow rates and velocities

you write and interpret Bernoulli's equation for fluid flow

you solve problems involving Bernoulli's equation

you write, interpret and solve problems involving gas laws

you investigate stress/strain and buoyant forces

you observe lab safety rules and procedures

you calculate strength properties and specific gravity of material using lab measurements