Delaware County Community College

Physics at DCCC


Courses Offered

    PHY 100 Technical Physics I

    This is an algebra-based course designed primarily for students in the technologies. The goal of the course is to provide the student with an integrated view of how the basic concepts of physics are applied to mechanical, fluidal, electrical and thermal systems. The course uses real examples to demonstrate how these concepts are applied and stresses the accurate measurement and reporting of important quantities associated with the different systems. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to apply the following concepts or topics to technological situations:

    • Identify, measure and calculate the force-like quantities that act in the four systems.

    • Use force-like quantities to measure and calculate the work done and the energy used in the four systems.

    • Apply work and energy concepts to demonstrate and measure the output and mechanical advantage of the three simple machines used as force transformers.

    • Measure and calculate the power both consumed and delivered by devices such as motors, pumps, heaters, turbines and generators.

    • Identify, measure and calculate the resistance forces present in the four systems, such as friction and electrical resistance.

    • Use the computer to obtain, organize, perform calculations and report information obtained in the laboratory.

    Co-requisite: Technical Mathematics I (MAT 110). 2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory each week - 3 credits

    PHY 106 Introduction to Physics

    This course provides an introduction to physics and includes the study of forces, motion, work, energy, heat, electricity, light and sound waves. It is designed as a prerequisite for college and university physics, as well as an elective for non-science majors interested in the physical world. The mathematical applications will be limited to basic algebra. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

    • Discuss the importance of science and the development of scientific experimental methods and their impact on history.

    • Solve problems by the application of physical laws using vector addition by graphical methods and performing errors analysis using introductory algebra.

    • Make measurements and conversions in English and metric systems.

    • Apply Newton's laws of motion in performing computations involving distances, velocities, acceleration, momentum and gravitational forces.

    • Apply the principles of work and energy in performing calculations involving simple machines and heat.

    • Discuss and apply the principles of electric energy, magnetism and the measurement of current in simple circuits.

    • Describe the basic nature of waves as it relates to light and sound.

    Prerequisite: Developmental Mathematics (MAT 060) or equivalent. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory each week 4 credits

    PHY 110 College Physics I

    A course designed for science majors who are not in the calculus sequence. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

    • Calculate the acceleration, velocity and speed of an object.

    • Determine experimentally the acceleration due to gravity.

    • Apply Newton's Law; i.e., Second Law. Apply the first condition of equilibrium.

    • Distinguish between potential kinetic and elastic energy.

    • Apply the work-energy principle.

    • Solve problems with the conservation law of energy.

    • Make use of the conservation of linear momentum.

    • Relate the linear motion equations to circular motions.

    • Explain density, elasticity, determine the density of an irregular solid.

    • Understand the molecular theory of heat.

    • Calculate and determine the specific heat of solids and liquid.

    • Explain periodic motion and waves.

    Prerequisite: Developmental Mathematics (MAT 060) or equivalent. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory each week 4 credits

    PHY 131 University Physics I

    This course is designed for engineering and natural-science majors who are in the calculus sequence. Topics include a study of mechanics, kinematics and dynamics. Students are introduced to the basic laws governing these topics using calculus as a base. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

    • Calculate the dot and cross products of two or more vectors.

    • Analyze an object in equilibrium to determine the forces or moments of forces acting on it.

    • Analyze an object in motion to determine its future position or velocity or work accomplished by its motion or change in its potential or kinetic energy.

    • Analyze a two-body collision.

    • Analyze an object under stress to determine its deformation.

    • Analyze wave and vibrating motion.

    • Determine boundary condition for a vibrating string.

    • Analyze and solve problems in rotational dynamics.

    • Analyze and solve problems using Newton's Law of Univervsal Gravitation.

    • Apply the wave equation in one dimension.

    • Apply the principles of fluid statics to practical problems.

    • Apply laboratory skills and computer technology to solve problems in a cooperative environment.

    Prerequisite: Calculus I (MAT 160). High school physics or Introduction to Physics (PHY 106) or College Physics I (PHY 110). 3 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory each week 4 credits


Faculty

Dr. Imre Szalai
Room: A3182/Phone: (610) 359-5208
email: imreszalai@aol.com

Dr. Thomas L. Hench
Room: A3183/Phone: (610) 359-5078
email: thench@iss.dccc.edu

Mr. Danny Childers
Room: A3182/Phone: (610) 359-5242
email: dchilder@dcccnet.dccc.edu