General physics : mechanics (English)

PHYS-101(en) / coefficient 6

Teacher: Baquero Ruiz Marcelo

Language: English

Summary

Students will learn the principles of mechanics to enable a better understanding of physical phenomena, such as the kinematics and dyamics of point masses and solid bodies. Students will acquire the capacity to quantitatively analyze these effects with the appropriate theoretical tools.

Content

The course contains the following elements (not exclusively):

 

Mechanics

 

Introduction and kinematics
Reference frames, trajectories, velocity, acceleration, and Cartesian, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates.

 

Dynamics of the point mass and solid body
Momentum, Newton's laws, fundamental forces, empirical forces, constraints, oscillatory motion, and angular momentum.

 

Work, power, energy
Kinetic energy, potential energy, conservation laws, gravitational motion, collisions.

Keywords

General physics, point masses, coordinates, kinematics, energy, work

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Math level required for "maturité fédérale", which indicates the level of math appropriate for a good start at EPFL.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Formulate models of basic physical systems
  • Structure models in terms of differential equations
  • Apply simplifying assumptions to describe a phenomenon
  • Estimate orders of magnitude
  • Distinguish the theoretical models describing nature
  • Contextualise theoretical models in every day life
  • Develop the know-how to solve a problem

Transversal skills

  • Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.

Teaching methods

Lectures and exercises

Assessment methods

The course concludes with a written exam

Resources

Bibliography

  • Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers.
  • Douglas Giancoli. Physics for Scientists and Engineers. 4th Edition.
  • D. Halliday, R. Resnick, K. S. Krane. Physics, Volume 1.

Ressources en bibliothèque

Moodle Link

Prerequisite for

General physics II

In the programs

  • Semester: Fall
  • Number of places: 370
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : mechanics (English)
  • Courses: 4 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Fall
  • Number of places: 370
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : mechanics (English)
  • Courses: 4 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Fall
  • Number of places: 370
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : mechanics (English)
  • Courses: 4 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Fall
  • Number of places: 370
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : mechanics (English)
  • Courses: 4 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Fall
  • Number of places: 370
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : mechanics (English)
  • Courses: 4 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Fall
  • Number of places: 370
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : mechanics (English)
  • Courses: 4 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Fall
  • Number of places: 370
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : mechanics (English)
  • Courses: 4 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Fall
  • Number of places: 370
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : mechanics (English)
  • Courses: 4 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Fall
  • Number of places: 370
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : mechanics (English)
  • Courses: 4 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Fall
  • Number of places: 370
  • Exam form: Written (winter session)
  • Subject examined: General physics : mechanics (English)
  • Courses: 4 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory

Reference week

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