Welcome to Physics 101

Mr. Randy Tomkins Dept. of Mathematics 582-2478 rdtomkin@liberty.edu Office: DH4056R

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Romans 10:10, 11, 13

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for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the scripture says , Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed. 13 for Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
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Romans 10:10, 11, 13

What does saved mean? What is Gods will for us?

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Eph. 4:18, NIV

In christ we are able to know God personally. Our relationship with God through Christ is a cornerstone of our identity. . . . This relationship determines our perception of reality and subsequently our world view. Neil Anderson in Victory Over the Darkness, Regal Books, 1990
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Conceptual Physics

An introductory course for liberal arts students covering many of the major concepts of physics.

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Why Study Physics?

I need a science course to graduate! Physics is Phun! OK It can be fun! The basic science. Appreciate Gods awesome universe Make informed decisions as a responsible citizen. Learn to think and question.

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Course Materials (Syllabus)

Course Syllabus Conceptual Physics: Etext or Hard Cover (Paul Hewitt; 11th Ed) Practicing Physics workbook.(optional) Blackboard

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Reading Physics for Success

Skim
Headings Summary of Terms

Read the homework review questions Read for the big picture Read for the main ideas logic basis Read over the Ranking, Exercises, and Problems. Answers in back of book 13 Try Plug and Chug Reasonable Answers?

Keys to Success
Know the basics (ex: Newtons first law) Know the players (ex: Net force) Be a believer (ex: I can do this if I work at it!)

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Scientific Measurements
Measurements are a hallmark of good science. I often say that when you can measure something and express it in numbers, you know something about it. When you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meager and unsatisfactory kind. It may be the beginning of knowledge, but you have scarcely in your thoughts advanced to the stage of science, whatever it may be. Lord Kelvin

MathematicsThe Language of Science

Integration of science and mathematics
Eratosthenes 235 B.C. (Also see Figs. 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6) Ideas of science are unambiguous when expressed in mathematical terms. Equations of science provide expressions of relationships between concepts Equations are guides to thinking.

FFig 1.1

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The Scientific Attitude

The scientific attitude is one of
inquiry.

experimentation.
willingness

to admit error. being open to change (in response to truth)!

The Scientific Attitude

Scientists
are

experts at changing their minds. must accept experimental findings. test for erroneous beliefs understand objections and positions of antagonists.

The Scientific Attitude

Fact: close agreement by competent observers (Data) Law: (principle) Statement about the relationship of natural quantities that has been tested over and over again and has not been contradicted. Hypothesis: an educated guess that must be tested. (Is there a test for proving it wrong?) Scientific Theory: synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about certain aspects of the natural world.

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Scientific Methods

There is no one scientific method (specifics). In general, scientific methods refer to principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD The observation, explanation, and testing of an explanation by additional experiments.
Observation Empirical Facts Scientific Laws Explanation Hypothesis Theory

Predict and Test

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SCIENTIFIC METHOD Point: Correct testing is combined with observation and explanation (hypothesis). Produces a more accurate, more true concept of what is actually happening!
Observation Empirical Facts Scientific Laws Explanation Hypothesis Theory

Predict and Test

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Science and Technology

concerned with gathering and organizing knowledge. the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes and to provide tools for further exploration.

PhysicsThe Basic Science

Physical sciences include geology, astronomy, chemistry, and physics. Life sciences include biology, zoology, and botany. Physics underlies all the sciences.

Physics The Basic Science

Biology
Chemistry Physics

Living Things - Complex

Composition and Reactions of Matter

Motion, Forces, energy, heat, sound, light, Structure of Atoms

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