printer friendly pagePHYSICS 41: Mechanics
How are motions of objects in the physical world determined by the laws of physics? Students learn to describe the motion of objects (kinematics) and then understand why motions have the form they do (dynamics). Emphasis on how the important physical principles in mechanics, such as conservation of momentum and energy for translational and rotational motion, follow from just three laws of nature: Newton's laws of motion. The distinction made between fundamental laws of nature and empirical rules that are useful approximations for more complex physics. Problems are drawn from examples of mechanics in everyday life. Skills developed in verifying that derived results satisfy criteria for correctness, such as dimensional consistency and expected behavior in limiting cases. Discussions based on the language of mathematics, particularly vector representations and operations, and calculus. Physical understanding is fostered by peer interaction and demonstrations in lecture, and discussion sec
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How are motions of objects in the physical world determined by the laws of physics? Students learn to describe the motion of objects (kinematics) and then understand why motions have the form they do (dynamics). Emphasis on how the important physical principles in mechanics, such as conservation of momentum and energy for translational and rotational motion, follow from just three laws of nature: Newton's laws of motion. The distinction made between fundamental laws of nature and empirical rules that are useful approximations for more complex physics. Problems are drawn from examples of mechanics in everyday life. Skills developed in verifying that derived results satisfy criteria for correctness, such as dimensional consistency and expected behavior in limiting cases. Discussions based on the language of mathematics, particularly vector representations and operations, and calculus. Physical understanding is fostered by peer interaction and demonstrations in lecture, and discussion sections based on interactive group problem-solving. Please enroll in a section that you can attend regularly. In order to register for this class students who have never taken an introductory Physics course at Stanford must complete the Physics Placement Diagnostic at
https://physics.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduate-students/placement-diagnostic. Students who complete the Physics Placement Diagnostic by 3 PM (Pacific) on Friday will have their hold lifted over the weekend. Prerequisites: Physics placement diagnostic AND
Math 20 or higherCorequisites: Completion of OR co-enrollment of
Math 21 or higher. Since high school math classes vary widely, it is recommended that you take at least one math class at Stanford before or concurrently with
Physics 41. In addition, it is recommended that you take
Math 51 or
CME 100 before taking the next course in the
Physics 40 series,
Physics 43.
Terms: Aut, Win
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 41E: Mechanics, Concepts, Calculations, and Context
Physics 41E (
Physics 41 Extended) is a 5-unit version of
Physics 41 (4 units) for students with little or no high school physics. Course topics and mathematical complexity are similar, but not identical to
Physics 41. There is an additional class meeting every week, and attendance at all class sessions is mandatory. The extra classroom time and corresponding extra study time outside of class allows students to engage with concepts and become fluent in mathematical tools that include vector representations and operations, and relevant calculus. There is a strong emphasis on developing problem-solving skills, particularly as applied to real world examples, to leave students prepared for subsequent engineering, physics, or related courses they may take. The course will explore important physical principles in mechanics including: using Newton's Laws and torque to analyze static structures and forces; understanding the equations of kinematics; and utilizing energy in its many forms and
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Physics 41E (
Physics 41 Extended) is a 5-unit version of
Physics 41 (4 units) for students with little or no high school physics. Course topics and mathematical complexity are similar, but not identical to
Physics 41. There is an additional class meeting every week, and attendance at all class sessions is mandatory. The extra classroom time and corresponding extra study time outside of class allows students to engage with concepts and become fluent in mathematical tools that include vector representations and operations, and relevant calculus. There is a strong emphasis on developing problem-solving skills, particularly as applied to real world examples, to leave students prepared for subsequent engineering, physics, or related courses they may take. The course will explore important physical principles in mechanics including: using Newton's Laws and torque to analyze static structures and forces; understanding the equations of kinematics; and utilizing energy in its many forms and applications. Prerequisites: Physics placement diagnostic AND
Math 19 or higher Corequisites: Completion of OR co-enrollment of
Math 20 or higher. Since high school math classes vary widely, it is recommended that you take at least one math class at Stanford before or concurrently with
Physics 41E. In addition, it is required that you take
Math 21 before taking the next course in the
Physics 40 series,
Physics 43.Priority will be given to students who have had little physics background.
Terms: Aut, Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
Instructors:
Bergeron, P. (PI)
;
Blakemore, C. (PI)
;
Britt, D. (TA)
...
more instructors for PHYSICS 41E »
Instructors:
Bergeron, P. (PI)
;
Blakemore, C. (PI)
;
Britt, D. (TA)
;
Insulla, F. (TA)
;
Marquez-Nieto, A. (TA)
;
Romero, A. (TA)
;
Xiang, C. (TA)
;
Young, S. (TA)
PHYSICS 41S: STEMentors in Physics
STEMentors in Physics has been designed to provide timely support for students in PHYS 41 with study and problem-solving skills applicable in both physics and STEM courses in general. Students will join a small cohort of other PHYS 41 students looking to build community with and support other students in STEM. Weekly sections will focus on group activities and individual check-ins facilitated by a peer mentor who has previously taken PHYS 41. These activities are designed to normalize challenging experiences within a college science course, build key study skills such as how to effectively review lecture notes and practice problems, prepare for and reflect on exams, and reinforce problem-solving processes that will build student confidence over the quarter. Students should enroll in a weekly mentor section. Link to Mentor Bios:
https://physics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/physics-stementors#:~:text=The%20Physics%20STEMentors%20program%20is,successful%20Chemistry%20Department%20STEMentors%20program. Co-Requisite: PHYS 41
Last offered: Winter 2024
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