20806220Physics of Everyday Life
Course Information
Description
Have you ever looked at something and said to yourself "I wonder how that works?" If so, this is the course for you. The Physics of Everyday Life will explore basic principles of physics including classical mechanics, fluids, heat, resonance, waves, light and electricity and magnetism through the lens of everyday objects. We will gain insight through studying objects such as bumper cars, roller coasters, light bulbs, musical instruments and microwave ovens.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore basics principles of physics from fields such as classical mechanics, thermal physics, fluid statics and dynamics, oscillation, resonance and waves, electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics
    Assessment Strategies
    completing homework assignments
    completing a written exam
    participating in guided small group discussions
    answering iClicker questions in class
    Criteria
    describe the basic principles in everyday English
    use a vocabulary of physics terms and concepts in answering questions in classroom discussion and written assignments
    distinguish between everyday English language usage and scientific usage of terms. Example: The word work has several meanings in English: getting something done, drudgery, employment, etc. In physics it refers to energy transfer involving forces and motion.
    identify relationships between physics concepts. Example: Kinetic energy is energy of motion. It depends on how fast something moves and how massive it is
    identify the units associated with physics concepts
    give an example of an everyday object or process which uses the physics concept

  2. Apply physics concepts to everyday situations to solve problems
    Assessment Strategies
    completing homework assignments
    completing a written exam
    participating in classroom discussion
    answering iClicker questions in class
    writing a journal regarding applications of course material
    contributing to a wiki applying course material
    Criteria
    analyze everyday problems and identify the physics principles present
    explain the application of physics principles to a problem. Example: I'm trying to change a flat tire and one of the bolts is stuck. I need to increase the amount of torque provided to the bolt
    explain the parameters involved with the problem, and how they can be adjusted to solve the problem. Example: Torque depends on force and distance from the center of rotation. In order to increase the torque I could push harder on the wrench. If I can t push hard enough, I could put I pipe over the end of the wrench, making the wrench longer, and push on the end of the pipe.
    estimate relevant physical quantities in the problem
    perform simple, rough calculations to solve problems

  3. Identify how common devices and processes work using applicable physics principles
    Assessment Strategies
    completing homework assignments
    completing a written exam
    participating in classroom discussion
    answering iClicker questions in class
    writing a journal regarding applications of course material
    contributing to a wiki applying course material
    Criteria
    analyze everyday devices and processes and identifies the physics principles present
    explain how physics principles make the object or process work
    explain the parameters involved with the object or process and how adjusting them affects performance. Example: A 100 watt incandescent light bulb purchased in Madison is designed to operate on U.S. standard 120 V electricity. If the same light bulb is used in Europe where electricity is provided at 220 V, it will either glow brighter (putting out more than 100 W) or blow out.
    discuss thoroughly the objects presented in the text and lectures in terms of the relevant physics in exams, written assignments and classroom discussion

  4. Use appropriate physics formulae to solve simple physics problems
    Assessment Strategies
    completing homework assignments
    completing a written exam
    participating in classroom discussion
    answering iClicker questions in class
    Criteria
    identify relevant formulae related to the applicable physics principle
    identify conditions or parameters given in a problem and relate them to terms in the formula
    substitute given values into a formula and solve for the unknown
    identify and use appropriate units in your solution

  5. Discuss the relationship between physics formulae and application to real world processes.
    Assessment Strategies
    participating in classroom discussion
    completing a written exam
    answering iClicker questions in class
    answering comparative or ranking questions
    Criteria
    describe in words the meaning of a physics formula. Example Newton s 2nd law ( a= F/m) means big forces create large accelerations, but that big masses are difficult to accelerate
    approximate a formula based on an understanding of a process. Example: The rate of heat transfer through a wall of a house via conduction gets smaller as you make the wall thicker. Therefore rate=something/thickness
    apply the formula qualitatively to explain how changing a parameter affects an outcome. Example: My car engine only puts out so much force. Therefore, if I fill my trunk with a load of bricks (increasing the mass) the acceleration will get worse