physics 7a and 7al schedule   

The main goal of this course is to introduce three basic areas of mechanics as a means to understand the motion of single particles.

1) Kinematics:  the description of motion using displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
2) Dynamics: using forces and Newton's laws to find displacements, velocities, and accelerations of particles.
3) Energy: understanding work and mechanical energy to solve for the motion of particles.

The course ends with introducing systems of particles and the idea of potential energy as a lead in to the focus on systems of particles in 7B.

The following schedule is a guideline that keeps the lectures and tutorials on track with each other. The exact schedule will depend on whether or not the class is on a Mon-Wed-Fri or Tues-Thur schedule, and the exact scheduling of the midterm exam(s). Notice, for each chapter that is not exactly one week, the suggested amount of time appears in parenthesis.
 

Course  Week	Chapters in Serway	Tutorial
1	Chapter 1 and 2 (one and a half weeks)	Diagnostic Exam and 1D motion
2	Start Chapter 3 (takes one week)	Representations of Motion
3	Start Chapter 4 (takes one and a half weeks)	Acceleration in 1D
4	finish chapter 4*	2 D motion
5	Start Chapter 5**	Review of Motion
6	Chapter 5	Forces
7	Chapter 6	2nd and 3rd Laws
8	Chapter 7	Work and Energy: Point Particles
9	Chapter 8	Final exam (spring, M-W fall class)
10	Finish Chapter 8	Final exam (Th-F fall class)

* Be aware that you may be able to do Chapter 1 - 4 in a little less than four full weeks and start Chapter 5 in week 4. However, this is not necessary.

** It is still recommended that the concept of momentum and collisions be used as a way to introduce forces and Newton's Laws even if no problems are assigned from Chapter 9 where momentum is mentioned.

If you have any questions on the reasons and implementation of this order, please contact Michael Dennin.

Updated 9/2/2005