Physics with Python Applications: Mechanics

Catalog description

An introductory, algebra-based physics course with emphasis on applications. Topics include kinematics in 1D and 2D, Newton’s Laws, uniform circular motion, energy, momentum, rotation, and simple harmonic motion. Concurrently, students will be introduced to the basics of programming in Python and will be expected to apply their programming skills to the physics applications discussed. Pre-requisite: Requires basic knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry (functions and their graphs, linear and quadratic equations, exponents and logarithms, areas of planar shapes, Pythagorean theorem, right angle trigonometry, basic trigonometric functions), scientific notation and unit conversions. Course Objectives • Define fundamental laws and principles which govern and give meaning to our physical world. • Describe and explain physical phenomenon using discipline specific vocabulary. • Apply basic physical principles to solve problems and demonstrate the procedural knowledge necessary to arrive at a solution for some desired ‘to finds’ from the ‘givens’. • Develop basic programming skills and techniques necessary to model or simulate a physical situation, analyze results, and make predictions.