Course Proficiencies for GS 104: Physical Science - Physics--by
Bob Reynolds
Assumed prerequisites:
Math:
Perform arithmetic calculations using a calculator and correctly
manipulate and solve 3 variable algebraic equations.
Reading and Writing:
Read and understand English language as found in
college level textbooks and spoken by the instructor and write in complete
sentences using correct grammar.
Upon successful completion of this course students will have demonstrated
competence in the following topics as evidenced by a cumulative score of
70% or more on exams, homework and lab exercises:
1. Discuss the domain of physics.
2. Describe 3 different types of properties and list the 4 fundamental
properties.
3. Describe by example the scientific method of investigation.
4. Discuss why is collecting good data important together with examples of
some problems involved in collecting and using data.
6. Compare and contrast significant figures and scientific notation.
7. Correctly apply scientific notation, significant figures, unit
conversions in data gathering and calculations.
8. Describe the 2 important characteristics of motion common to all types
of motion.
9. Compare and contrast speed, velocity and acceleration
10. Interpret graphs of velocity and/or acceleration of objects undergoing
horizontal and/or freely falling motion.
11. During the free fall of an object, identify which of the following
properties (d, t, a, v) will increase, decrease or remain constant.
12. List 3 ways can you change acceleration.
13. Compare and contrast force, weight, work, energy and power.
14. Describe Newton's 3 laws regarding motion and give an example of each.
15. Use an example to explain the concept of conservation of energy.
16. Correctly solve mathematical problems involving, horizontal velocity
and acceleration, freely falling velocity and distance, force, work, power
17. Discuss the origin, concentration, extraction, end use and consumption
of the major types of chemical energy resources
18. list the 5 basic types of energy together with a brief example of how
humans use teach for large scale energy production.
19. Discuss the principle upon which both metal and liquid thermometer work
20. Describe 3 different types of thermometers.
21. Discuss 2 reasons why water used as a thermometer.
22. Describe by example 3 important aspects during any given phase change.
23. Interpret a phase diagram for water.
24. Discuss by example 3 practical applications of temperature changes.
25. Discuss by example 3 different practical applications of phase changes.
26. Compare and contrast specific heat and thermal conductivity.
27. Discuss the 3 ways that heat can move through matter.
28. Describe 2 different practical or natural applications of heat and how
or why each application is important.
29 Compare and contrast temperature and heat.
30. Correctly solve mathematical problems involving the heat equation
31. Label and identify the 4 components of an acoustic wave.
32. Describe how is energy transferred in an acoustic wave
33. Summarize the spectrum of sound
34. Discuss how the velocity of sound varies in different types of matter,
temperature and in a vacuum.
35. Use examples to describe the 3 interactions that can occur to a sound
wave upon encountering a boundary or another medium and how or why
each application is important..
36. Use two different examples to describe the phenomena of resonance
together with possible advantages and disadvantages of resonating object
37. Describe 2 different practical applications to of ultrasound.
38. Correctly solve mathematical problems involving acoustic energy
(velocity, wavelength and frequency).
39. List 4 fundamental forces
40. Define electricity and discuss the source of electric charges.
41. Compare and contrast insulators and conductors.
42. Compare and contrast current, voltage and resistance.
43. Discuss the nature of permanent magnets.
44. Discuss the origin and nature of Earth’s magnetic field.
45. Use a practical application to discuss the nature and significance of
electromagnets.
46. Use a practical application to discuss the nature of electromagnetic
induction
47. Discuss how magnetism can be used to generate electrical energy.
48. Correctly solve mathematical problems involving Ohm's Law, electric
power and power consumption
49. Discuss the electromagnetic model of light.
50. Describe three different ways that electromagnetic radiation can
interact with matter and describe a practical application of each.
51. Explain by example, index of refraction.
52. Explain internal reflection and give a practical example of how it can
be used.
53. Compare and contrast refraction and diffraction.
54. Describe the relationships among wavelength, frequency, energy and
frequency.
55. Discuss 3 different factors that influence how a light ray will
interact with an object (not reflection, refraction, absorption)
56. Describe 3 different ways that color is produced.
57. Correctly solve radiant energy problems involving wavelength,
frequency, velocity, energy, index of refraction.
58. Draw and label the main components of an atom.
59. Contrast the following: electrons, nucleus, atoms, elements and
isotopes
60. Define radioactivity and describe the 3 main types of radioactive
decay.
61. Describe by example and in detail two different uses of nuclear
energy.
62. Compare and contrast fission and fusion reactions
63. Determine the number of protons and neutrons from an element’s formula
and whether it is likely to be stable or not.
64. Complete a chart of examples showing single step conversions among the
5 basic energy types.
65. Correctly solve problems in energy efficiency.