Standard

 

PSC 191 - Physical Science I

Course Description

Introduces the fundamentals of classical physics and the solar system and universe from a descriptive viewpoint.  Topics include:  mechanics, heat, waves, electricity and magnetism, and astronomy.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

 

Mechanics

Class

4

Heat    

D. Lab

2

Waves

P. Lab/O.B.I.

0

Electricity and Magnetism

Credit

5

Astronomy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prerequisite:

MAT 191 or MAT 196

Corequisite:

 

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

MECHANICS

20

10

0

Measurement

Convert units from US to Metric.

 

 

 

 

Interpret scientific notation.

 

 

 

 

Outline the nature of scientific investigation.

 

 

 

Motion

Distinguish among velocity, acceleration, and distance.

Use motion equations.

 

 

 

Work

Explain Newton's three laws of motion.

 

 

 

 

Explain Newton's law of gravitation.

 

 

 

 

Relate Newton's three laws to the concept of equilibrium.

 

 

 

 

Discuss circular motion.

 

 

 

 

Explain the law of conservation of momentum.

 

 

 

 

State the fundamental forces.

 

 

 

Energy and power

Define work, energy, and power.

 

 

 

 

Define kinetic energy.

 

 

 

 

Define potential energy.

 

 

 

 

Discuss conservation of energy.

 

 

 

 

Describe transformation of energy forms.

 

 

 

HEAT

5

2

0

Temperature and heat

Distinguish between temperature and heat.

 

 

 

 

Convert units of temperature measurements.

 

 

 

 

Discuss heat units.

 

 

 

Expansion

Relate expansion to temperature change.

 

 

 

Heat transfer

Describe methods of heat transfer.

 

 

 

Change of state

Discuss conditions for phase changes.

 

 

 

Gas laws

Use the perfect gas law and explain the properties of gases.

 

 

 

Thermodynamics

Discuss concepts of thermodynamics.

 

 

 

WAVES

5

4

0

Characteristics

Describe the characteristics of wave motion.

 

 

 

 

Use the basic wave equation that relates velocity, wavelength, and frequency.

 

 

 

Sound

Describe sound.

 

 

 

 

Define resonance.

 

 

 

 

Describe Doppler effect.

 

 

 

Electromagnetic spectrum

Describe the electromagnetic spectrum.

 

 

 

Light

Describe geometric properties of light.

 

 

 

 

Describe wave properties of light.

 

 

 

 

Distinguish between lenses and mirrors in terms of images formed.

 

 

 

 

Use the thin lens equation.

 

 

 

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

5

4

0

Electric charge

Describe properties of charged objects.

 

 

 

Coulomb's law

Compare Newton's law of gravitation to Coulomb's law.

 

 

 

 

Discuss conversion of electric charge.

 

 

 

 

Distinguish between alternating and direct current.

 

 

 

Ohm's law

Apply Ohm's law to series circuits.

 

 

 

 

Apply Ohm's law to parallel circuits.

 

 

 

 

Define voltage.

 

 

 

 

Define amperage.

 

 

 

 

Define resistance.

 

 

 

 

Calculate power in an electric circuit.

 

 

 

 

Explain the difference between a parallel and series electric circuit.

 

 

 

Magnetism

Discuss interaction between two magnets.

Relate magnetism to electricity.

 

 

 

Electric power

Explain the operation of an electric motor.

 

 

 

 

Explain the operation of an electric generator.

 

 

 

 

Explain the operation of a transformer.

 

 

 

 

Describe fundamental circuit elements.

 

 

 

ASTRONOMY

5

0

0

Solar system

Discuss the origin of the solar system.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the structure of the solar system.

 

 

 

 

Relate earth's motion to the seasons.

 

 

 

 

Explain the phases of the moon.

 

 

 

 

Explain varieties in the length of day.

 

 

 

 

Discuss tides.

 

 

 

 

Describe the composition of the sun.

 

 

 

 

Discuss solar energy.

 

 

 

The universe

Summarize the life cycle of stars.