PHYS 200 Principles of Mechanics, is an introduction to equilibrium mechanics. It is the study of the forces required to maintain equilibrium of a rigid body. Vectors, free body diagrams, forces, and moments will be introduced to provide the mathematical framework for setting up equations to solve equilibrium problems in three dimensions. Some applications include analysis of beams, trusses, frames, distributed loads, dry friction, and centroids. This course is generally for students enrolled in the engineering transfer program.
Prerequisites: PHYS 105 and MATH 101 both with minimum of 60% or admission to the First-year Engineering Transfer Program.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Represent a rigid body, including the forces and moments acting upon it, with a free body diagram
- Solve basic equilibrium of a particle problems using vector addition
- Use integral calculus to compute the reduction of a simple distributed load, and to compute the center of mass of body
- Use the cross product to compute the moment of a force about a specific axis
- Analyze the equilibrium of trusses and simple machines at a first-year engineering level
- Show correct use of physics and engineering notation, including symbols, units, and vectors
- Collaborate with a group of peers to model a real-world application as an equilibrium of a rigid body problem
- Take part in a ten minute semi-formal group presentation
- Apply a variety of problem-solving strategies in familiar and unfamiliar situations
- Exhibit professional behaviors such as respect for colleagues and peers, punctuality, willingness to think independently, and pride in presentation of work
Teaching and Learning Approach
In class, concepts and formulae will be presented in a variety of methods, including typical black-board notes,
PowerPoint slides, videos, and demonstrations. Timely questions are encouraged and group discussions happen
on occasion. Expect often to engage in attempting a problem prior to the solution being presented on the board.Learning Resources
Required:
R. Hibbeler, Engineering Mechanics: Statics, 15th ed. Pearson, 2022.
Instructor’s Moodle website to accompany the course.
Recommended:
Practice Problems Workbook to accompany the textbook.
Statics Study Pack to accompany the textbook.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction, General Principles, Vectors
2. Vector addition, Cartesian vectors, Dot product
3. Dot product, Particle equilibrium (2-D), FBD’s
4. Particle equilibrium (2-D & 3-D), Cross Product
5. Moment of a force, Principle of moments, couples and equivalent systems
6. Distributed Loads, Rigid body equilibrium
7. Midterm Break
8. Equilibrium in 3-D
9. Trusses – method of joints and sections
10. Frames and machines
11. Group Project
12. Dry friction, Center of Gravity
13. Composite bodies
14. Review
15. FinalAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Bi-weekly equally weighted assignments | | 35% |
| Three equally weighted tests. | | 25% |
| Final exam | | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.