Catalog Description

Also known as PHYS 140
Prerequisite: Completion of MATH D with grade of "C" or better, or placement by matriculation assessment process
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: A conceptual introduction to the basic principles of physics and chemistry including matter, physical and chemical properties, forces and motion, energy, electromagnetism, electromagnetic waves, atomic structure, bonding, solutions and chemical reactions. The inter-dependence of chemistry and physics will be emphasized. This course is intended for non-science majors. (C-ID CHEM 140) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Investigate physical phenomena using appropriate equipment and methods, make valid comparisons with theoretical predictions, and communicate those results.
  • CSLO #2: Identify and explain phenomena that illustrate the interdependence of physics and chemistry.
  • CSLO #3: Apply basic principles of physics and chemistry to explain everyday phenomena.
  • CSLO #4: Apply basic algebra to analyze simple physical and chemical systems.

Effective Term

Fall 2022

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

108

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

216

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Use Newton’s Laws to predict and explain the motion of an object.
2. Describe the motion of objects as related through the concepts of position, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration.
3. Discuss the type of energy present in a chemical or physical system and use conservation of energy to solve problems.
4. Explain the role of energy in terms of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources and their use in society.
5. Identify and explain systems in which linear and angular momentum are conserved.
6. Describe the how the atomic and molecular structure affect the electrical properties of matter.
7. Explain the requirements for a complete circuit in terms of a model of electric charge.
8. Describe color perception based on the wave nature of light and its interactions.
9. Explain the wave-like and particle-like nature of matter.
10. Describe basic atomic structure including the fundamental particles and electron energy levels.
11. Describe and explain the physical quantities used to describe atomic and molecular systems.
12. Explain nanotechnology and its significance.
13. Explain the history and structure of the periodic table.
12. Explain and describe different ways atoms combine to form compounds.
14. Describe the states of matter and associate phase changes.
15. Classify matter as elements, compounds, mixtures and describe properties of each.
Laboratory Objectives:
1. Explain the importance of experimental evidence as one of the main byways of knowledge in chemistry and physics.
2. Integrate abstract concepts from lecture objectives into their concrete applications through experimentation.
3. Apply standard instruments used in measuring and observing phenomena involving concepts in classical mechanics, electricity, waves, thermodynamics, and chemistry. This includes taking and recording measurements such as length, area, volume, mass, density, significant figures while converting between units and expressing results in scientific notation.
4. Explain the difference between precision and accuracy.
5. Express, characterize, and communicate the effect of experimental error on measured values.
6. Manipulate data and apply quantitative techniques, such as graphing and statistical analysis.
7. Interpret the graphical representation of data.
8. Identify environmental factors that affect the integrity of experimental data or observations.
9. Evaluate the validity of experimental data.
10. Demonstrate proficiency in using computers for the collection, analysis, and graphical display of data.
11. Exhibit cooperative skills in the collection and analysis data.
12. Develop clear, cogent reporting of experimental design, observations, analysis, and conclusions in a variety of formats ranging from informal discussion and oral presentations to formal laboratory papers and reports that adhere to accepted guidelines for formal presentation.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Physical Sciences
    • AS - Physical Science Lab
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - B1 Physical Science
    • CSUGE - B3 Lab Activity
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
      • IGETC - 5A Physical Science
      • IGETC - 5C Laboratory Science

    Articulation Information

    • CSU Transferable
    • UC Transferable

    Methods of Evaluation

    • Objective Examinations
      • Example: 1. Define area. 2. Explain what sulfur dioxide has to do with acid rain? 3. Explain how the fission bomb works. 4. Hovering over the pit from hell, the devil observes an echo from the bottom of the pit as a screaming politician falls past at terminal velocity. If the frequency of the politician's scream is 842Hz, the devil observes an echo that has a _________ frequency as the politician approaches and a _________ frequency after the politician passes him. a. higher, lower b. higher, higher c. lower, higher d. lower, lower 5. A NEGATIVELY charged rod will __________ a stream of water. a. attract b. repel c. neither attract or repel
    • Problem Solving Examinations
      • Example: Sample Questions: 1. How much carbon dioxide is produced when 16 grams of methane reacts with oxygen? How many grams of oxygen are needed for this reaction? 2. A stone is suspended at rest by a string. Draw the force vectors for all the forces that act on the stone. 3. A police car starts from rest and accelerates at at 3.0m/s/s for 6.0s, and then moves at constant speed for an additional 3.0s. Plot a graph of the object's position, velocity and acceleration as a function of time assuming x=0 at t=0. 4. Calculate the energy required to raise the temperature of 50 grams of water 50 K.
    • Reports
      • Example: 1. Write a formal lab report for the Newton's Laws lab. Students are required to use graphing software to plot and analyze data.

    Repeatable

    No

    Methods of Instruction

    • Laboratory
    • Lecture/Discussion
    • Distance Learning

    Lab:

    1. The faculty member introduces the lab assignment for the week using a multimedia presentation. Detailed guidelines for the experiment are provided by the instructor, with some information omitted to encourage critical thinking. Sample laboratory experiments: A. Graphing Practice B. Introduction to Measurements C. One Dimensional Motion D. Newton's Laws E. Calorimetry and Specific Heat F. Properties of Charge G. Electric Circuits H. Properties of Light I. Spectroscopy J. Chemical Nomenclature K. Chemical Reactions M. Radioactivity The faculty member then oversees students carrying out laboratory experiments based on oral and written guidelines. An important part of the laboratory experience is the proper analysis of data which includes error analysis and the identification of random and systematic errors. Students are then required to write formal laboratory reports. Students are required to use graphing software to plot and analyze data. Finally students are evaluated for proficiency on important laboratory equipment. The experiments are chosen to provide students with 1) "Hands-on" experience with difficult concepts. 2) Experience with scientific equipment. 3) Exposure to the scientific method of investigation. 4) Problem solving skills necessary to troubleshoot experiments or experimental apparatus. 5) Experience with the communication of technical information.”

    Lecture:

    1. A multimedia presentation is used to discuss atomic structure. The presentation can include graphics and video clips for emphasis and clarity. The instructor solves example problems in detail at appropriate times throughout the discussion. Students are encouraged to participate in the discussion with probing questions regarding the concepts and requests to participate in offering solutions to examples. Demonstrations are used to both illustrate principles and to challenge students' understanding.
    2. An audience response system is used to ask conceptual questions on the application of Newton's Laws in order to assess the level of student understanding during lecture. Based on how well students respond to the questions, the instructor will ask additional questions on this topic, review this topic, or move on to the next topic.

    Distance Learning

    1. A slide lecture presentation or recorded video (delivered via LMS) is used to discuss the electronic properties of charge. To enforce concepts discussed in the presentation, students are then required to build an electrophorus and an electroscope out of materials easily accessible at home (paper plates, aluminum foil, styrofoam, coat hangers etc). Students will use the electrophorus to test the electrical properties of substances such as salt, pepper, or sugar, and the electroscope will be used to detect charged objects. Students will create a video of their working devices along with their findings. The video will be uploaded for discussion into the discussion board.

    Typical Out of Class Assignments

    Reading Assignments

    1. Read the textbook sections on the shell model of the atom and be prepared for discussion and/or quiz. 2. Read the laboratory titled "Introduction to Measurements" and prepare a pre-laboratory report.

    Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

    1. Prepare a pre-laboratory report for the experiment titled "Spectroscopy." 2. Prepare a laboratory report for the experiment titled "One Dimensional Motion" following the prescribed format outlined in the laboratory manual. 3. Complete the worksheet on chemical nomenclature.

    Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

    Required Materials

    • Conceptual Physical Science
      • Author: Hewitt, Suchocki, and Hewitt
      • Publisher: Pearson
      • Publication Date: 2017
      • Text Edition: 6th
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Laboratory Manual for Conceptual Physical Science
      • Author: Hewitt, Suchocki, and Hewitt
      • Publisher: Pearson
      • Publication Date: 2017
      • Text Edition: 6th
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Physical Science
      • Author: Tillery
      • Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
      • Publication Date: 2017
      • Text Edition: 11th
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • An Introduction to Physical Science
      • Author: Shipman, Wilson, Higgins, and Torres
      • Publisher: Cengage
      • Publication Date: 2016
      • Text Edition: 14th
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:

    Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

    Scientific calculator, laboratory goggles, and a laboratory notebook.