Conceptual Physics



Conceptual Physics is an introductory course in physics. While the name implies an emphasis on physics concepts, it is impossible to avoid the use of mathematics when talking about the behavior of objects. Topics include inertia, motion, forces, velocity, acceleration, friction, work, rotational mechanics, gravity, mass, volume, density, electricity and magnetism, nuclear (atomic) physics, and applications in everyday life. Lecture/discussions and labs are the format of the course with labs composing 40% of course time. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, work together in labs, and to keep a lab notebook for all lab work. Newtonian Physics encompasses the behavior of objects in everyday life, objects that we can see and touch. Einsteinian Physics deals with the behavior of objects which are very small, such as subatomic particles, or objects which are very dense, such as black holes, and objects which are approaching the speed of light. Emphasis is placed on student’s ability to observe, record observations, and come to conclusions based on the evidence.

Textbook(s): Conceptual Physics, Edition: 3rd, Author(s): Hewitt, Paul G.

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry

Instructor: Doug Colborn