PHYS 1112

Physics I: Mechanics and Heat

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

First course in a three-semester introductory physics sequence. This course is taught in a largely flipped', highly interactive manner, with reading preparation and online reading quizzes required for class. Covers the mechanics of particles with focus on kinematics, dynamics, conservation laws, central force fields, periodic motion. Mechanics of many-particle systems: center of mass, rotational mechanics of a rigid body, translational & rotational equilibrium. Temperature, heat, the laws of thermodynamics. At the level of University Physics, Vol. 1, by Young and Freedman.

Prerequisites MATH 1910 or MATH 1120. Recommended corequisite: MATH 1920 in order to continue with PHYS 2213 the following semester. Corequisite: PHYS 1110 must be taken to remain enrolled in PHYS 1112. MATH 1910 may be allowed by instructor in exceptional cases, but continuation in PHYS 2213 will then have to be deferred until MATH 1920 is completed.

Forbidden Overlaps PHYS 1101, PHYS 1112, PHYS 2207

Enrollment Priority Primarily for: students in Engineering, Physics or related subjects.

Distribution Requirements (CHPH-AG, OPHLS-AG, PSC-AG), (PHS-AS), (SCT-IL)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025FA, 2025SU, 2025SP

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