Course Details:
This is a practical introduction to physics and science in everyday life. This course considers objects from our daily life and focuses on their principles of operation. The emphasis is on mechanical objects, thermal objects, electromagnetism, light, special materials, and nuclear energy.
Module 1: Mechanics, Materials, Heat & Thermodynamics
• The Laws of Motion: Introduction, Skating, Falling Balls, Wind Turbines, Wheels
• Mechanical Objects: Bicycles, Bouncing Ball, Rockets,
• Fluids & Motion: Airplanes.
• Heat: Woodstoves, Water, Steam, Ice, Clothing, Insulation, Climate
• Thermodynamics: Air Conditioners, Automobiles.
• Material Science: knives, steel, windows, glass, plastics.
• Resonance and Mechanical Waves: Clocks, Musical Instruments, The Sea.
Module 2: Electromagnetics
• Electric and Magnetic Forces: Static Electricity, Xerographic Copiers, Flashlights
• Modern Physics: Nuclear Weapons, Nuclear Reactors, Medical Imaging & Radiation.
• Optics: Optical Communications, Computers.
• Light: Sunlight, Discharge Lamps, Light Emitting Diodes, Cameras.
• Electronics: Radio, Microwave Ovens.
• Electrodynamics: Household Magnets, Electric Power Distribution.
Textbook:
• How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life, by Louis Bloomfield.
References:
• Conceptual Physics, by Paul Hewitt.
• Silicon Web – Physics for Internet Age, by Michael G. Raymer.
• Physics: Concepts and Connections, by Art Hobson.