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image 1Department of Physics

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Physics 230: Statics

Rationale:
Preparation for advanced courses in physics and engineering.

Course Topics:
Introductory materials; vector algebra; forces; torques or moments; applications to structures; distributed forces; integral techniques; moments of inertia friction.

There will be weekly assignments which will count for approximately 25% of the grade. Two written exams and a final examination will make up the remaining 75%. The attendance policy allows no more than four excused absences in one semester. After that, the penalty is one-third of a grade for every absence. Without a written excuse, students who fail to show up for exams will be given automatic failing grades.

Course Textbook:
Vector Mechanics for Engineers, Beers and Johnson, Fifth Edition McGraw Hill 1997

Outline:

  1. Introductory Materials
  2. Vectors and Vector Algebra
  3. Forces as Vectors; Torques (Moments as Axial Vectors)
  4. Equilibrium Conditions
  5. Distributed Forces
  6. Calculus Applications
  7. Friction
  8. Moments of Inertia