School of Physics

Traditional Introductory Physics I
Mechanics
PHYS 2211 A, B, & C

Old Announcements

You are responsible for everything posted here.

Nov 25
Final Exam Time and Location
The final exam period has been set by the Registrar's Office. The Final Exam for all PHYS 2211 sections will be administered Monday, December 9, 6:00–8:50pm. Students should go to the following rooms, which are NOT necessarily the same as the rooms used for quizzes. If any student goes to the wrong room, it is likely that there will be insufficient seats and/or exam forms in that room! The format of the Final Exam will be announced once it has been determined.
You may want to review the Quiz and Exam Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Remember that calculators that cannot store text may be used on the final exam. Note that if your calculator keypad includes a complete alphabet, that's a very good sign that it cannot be used. Do not expect to be provided with an appropriate calculator if you do not bring your own.
Remember our expectations for your work on the free response problems, which are the same good problem-solving practices you should be using on the homework, anyway.
  • Units should be shown with any value that has a unit
  • Algebraic manipulations should be performed with symbols, not values
  • Consider, but do not obsess over, significant figures
You may find an example helpful.
Nov 22
Concept Test
A Concept Test for Extra Credit will become available in Canvas at midnight, Sunday, November 24. It is due at midnight on the following Sunday, December 1. Note that it is timed—once you start, you must finish in 60 minutes.
Nov 20
Last Public Lecture Update
The last of the four Public Lectures for "Other" points this semester is: Remember that half an "Other" point will be issued for attending one Public Lecture, and one "Other" point will be issued for attending two or more. Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint.
Nov 15
Public Lectures
There will be a total of four Public Lectures for "Other" points this semester. The remaining one is:
  • Mon, Nov 25, at 6:00pm in CULC 152 - Walter de Heer - Graphene
Attendance records for the first three Public Lectures are available under PostEm in Canvas. A "1" indicates that your presence was recorded. Remember that half an "Other" point will be issued for attending one Public Lecture, and one "Other" point will be issued for attending two or more. Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint. Contact Dr. Murray if you have any questions or concerns.
Nov 14
Quiz #4 Results
Results for Quiz #4 are available as a percent in the Canvas gradebook under Quiz #4.
The Gradescope link in the Canvas navigation menu will take you to Gradescope, where you will be able to see how you did on each Free Response problem and Multiple Choice question. Because the FR problems were graded as a percent, but the MC questions were graded as points, it was necessary to treat each student's quiz as if it were two quizzes in Gradescope, one with the FR problems and one with the MC questions. (The score posted in Canvas is your combined score.) Gradescope also shows you an internal code like ProbG d/b that is used to identify a particular question and its correct answer and (when appropriate) half-credit choice, despite the fact that it has a different question number on different versions of the quiz.
Because the quiz was longer than anticipated, the FR problems have been reweighted. Rather than the listed 16 points, each student's best FR problem is worth 19 points, and each student's worst FR problem is worth 13 points. The score in Canvas reflects this reweighting.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded, you should contact Dr. Murray (the request regrade button in Gradescope is simplest, if that's your concern) before the first Reading Day, Wednesday, December 4.
Nov 12
Quiz #4 Solutions
Solutions to Quiz #4 have been posted. We hope to have scores available later this week.
Nov 05
Quiz #4
Quiz #4 will be administered on Monday, November 11, at 6:00pm. Students should go to the following rooms for this quiz, which are the same as for preious quizzes. Do NOT go to the location listed in OSCAR (unless, of course, it just happens to match the location below). If any student goes to the wrong room, it is likely that there will be insufficient seats and/or quiz forms in that room! You may want to review the Quiz Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Your quizzes will scanned into Gradescope for grading. To make this go more smoothly:
  • Write darkly and neatly. Blue or black ink is recommended. Do not make any erasures in your free-response work. Cross out anything you do not want evaluated. Box your answer.
  • Bubble your answers to the multiple-choice question on the front page.
  • The formula sheet is on the back of the front page. This page may be removed during the quiz if it makes things easier for you, but it must, of course, be submitted as it has your name and MC answers on it.
  • Initial the odd pages in the top margin, in case the pages of your quiz get separated.
  • If the page for a free-response problem has insuffcient space for your work, ask a proctor for an additional sheet. If you wish this work to be evaluated, put your name on the sheet and make a note on the problem page, so graders will know where to find your work.
Remember that calculators that cannot store text may be used on the quizzes and final exam. Note that if your calculator keypad includes a complete alphabet, that's a very good sign that it cannot be used. Do not expect to be provided with an appropriate calculator if you do not bring your own.
Remember our expectations for your work on the free response problems, which are the same good problem-solving practices you should be using on the homework, anyway.
  • Units should be shown with any value that has a unit
  • Algebraic manipulations should be performed with symbols, not values
  • Consider, but do not obsess over, significant figures
You may find an example helpful.
Nov 05
Reading Day Study Session
The Center for Academic Success is hosting a two-hour Intro Physics Study Session at 9am on Reading Day, Wednesday, December 4, in Clough 152. Try the Worksheet ahead of time!
Nov 01
Public Lectures
There will be a total of four Public Lectures for "Other" points this semester. The two remaining are:
  • Tue, Nov 12, at 6:30pm in CULC 152 - Professor Debate presented by the Society of Physics Students - Do We Live in a Simulation
  • Mon, Nov 25, time and location TBA - Walter de Heer - Carbon
Attendance records for the first Public Lecture, on October 08, are available under PostEm in Canvas. A "1" indicates that your presence was recorded. Remember that half an "Other" point will be issued for attending one Public Lecture, and one "Other" point will be issued for attending two or more. Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint. Contact Dr. Murray if you have any questions or concerns.
Oct 31
Final Exam Period
The final exam period has been set by the Registrar's Office. The Final Exam for all PHYS 2211 sections will be administered Monday, December 9, 6:00–8:50pm. A direct (Class I) conflict should be extremely unlikely, but it is possible to have three exams scheduled on the same day (a Class II conflict). Check the exam schedule for your other classes now, and contact Dr. Murray by email as soon as possible, but certainly by Friday, November 15, if you have a conflict. Please note:
  • Monday, December 9, 6:00–8:50pm is NOT the usual period corresponding to your lecture time.
  • Except for conflicts with CS 1371, Physics will handle all other conflicts, even though standard policies might indicate otherwise
Final Exam format and locations will be announced as soon as they are determined.
Oct 25
Quiz #3 Results
Results for Quiz #3 are available as a percent in the Canvas gradebook under Quiz #3.
The Gradescope link in the Canvas navigation menu will take you to Gradescope, where you will be able to see how you did on each Free Response problem and Multiple Choice question. Because the FR problems were graded as a percent, but the MC questions were graded as points, it was necessary to treat each student's quiz as if it were two quizzes in Gradescope, one with the FR problems and one with the MC questions. (The score posted in Canvas is your combined score.) Gradescope also shows you an internal code like ProbG d/b that is used to identify a particular question and its correct answer and (when appropriate) half-credit choice, despite the fact that it has a different question number on different versions of the quiz.
The question about the apparent weight of the revolving sphere (ProbC) went quite badly, and was converted to extra credit. If you wish to confirm your score in Cavas by your own calculation, find the points earned on each FR problem by multiplying the percentage score by the value (16 points), then add the points earned on all the MC questions other than ProbA. Divide the total by 0.94, then add any points earned on ProbA. Scores may exceed 100%.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded, you should contact Dr. Murray (the request regrade button in Gradescope is simplest, if that's your concern) before Quiz #4 is administered on Monday, November 11.
Oct 23
Quiz #3 Solutions
Solutions to Quiz #3 have been posted. We hope to have scores available later this week.
Oct 11
Public Lectures
We have details for the second Public Lecture. It will be at 6pm on: There will be at least one more Public Lecture, on November 25, and perhaps a fourth. Therefore, half credit will be issued for attending one, and full credit will be issued for attending two or more. Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint.
Oct 11
Quiz #3
Quiz #3 will be administered on Monday, October 21, at 6:00pm. Students should go to the following rooms for this quiz, which are the same as for preious quizzes. Do NOT go to the location listed in OSCAR (unless, of course, it just happens to match the location below). If any student goes to the wrong room, it is likely that there will be insufficient seats and/or quiz forms in that room! You may want to review the Quiz Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Your quizzes will scanned into Gradescope for grading. To make this go more smoothly:
  • Write darkly and neatly. Blue or black ink is recommended. Do not make any erasures in your free-response work. Cross out anything you do not want evaluated. Box your answer.
  • Bubble your answers to the multiple-choice question on the front page.
  • The formula sheet is on the back of the front page. This page may be removed during the quiz if it makes things easier for you, but it must, of course, be submitted as it has your name and MC answers on it.
  • Initial the odd pages in the top margin, in case the pages of your quiz get separated.
  • If the page for a free-response problem has insuffcient space for your work, ask a proctor for an additional sheet. If you wish this work to be evaluated, put your name on the sheet and make a note on the problem page, so graders will know where to find your work.
Remember that calculators that cannot store text may be used on the quizzes and final exam. Note that if your calculator keypad includes a complete alphabet, that's a very good sign that it cannot be used. Do not expect to be provided with an appropriate calculator if you do not bring your own.
Remember our expectations for your work on the free response problems, which are the same good problem-solving practices you should be using on the homework, anyway.
  • Units should be shown with any value that has a unit
  • Algebraic manipulations should be performed with symbols, not values
  • Consider, but do not obsess over, significant figures
You may find an example helpful.
Oct 08
Unofficial Mid-Term Grades
Unofficial Mid-Term Grades are available under PostEm in Canvas.
Oct 04
Quiz #2 Results
Results for Quiz #2 are available as a percent in the Canvas gradebook under Quiz #2.
The Gradescope link in the Canvas navigation menu will take you to Gradescope, where you will be able to see how you did on each Free Response problem and Multiple Choice question. Because the FR problems were graded as a percent, but the MC questions were graded as points, it was necessary to treat each student's quiz as if it were two quizzes in Gradescope, one with the FR problems and one with the MC questions. (The score posted in Canvas is your combined score.) Gradescope also shows you an internal code like ProbC d that is used to identify a particular question and its correct answer choice, despite the fact that it has a different question number on different versions of the quiz.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded, you should contact Dr. Murray (the request regrade button in Gradescope is simplest, if that's your concern) before Quiz #3 is administered on Monday, October 21.
Oct 01
Quiz #2 Solutions
Solutions to Quiz #2 have been posted. We hope to have scores available later this week.
Sep 27
Public Lectures
We have details for the first Public Lecture. It will be at 6pm on: Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint. It is not known, at this point, how many Public Lectures there will be. If there are one or two, full credit (that is, one "other" point) will be issued for attending one. If there are two or more, half credit will be issued for attending one, and full credit will be issued for attending two or more.
Sep 26
Progress Reports
Progress Reports (Mid-Term Grades) have been sent to the Registrar.
Sep 24
Quiz #2
Quiz #2 will be administered on Monday, September 30, at 6:00pm. Students should go to the following rooms for this quiz, which are the same as for Quiz #1. Do NOT go to the location listed in OSCAR (unless, of course, it just happens to match the location below). If any student goes to the wrong room, it is likely that there will be insufficient seats and/or quiz forms in that room! You may want to review the Quiz Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Your quizzes will scanned into Gradescope for grading. To make this go more smoothly:
  • Write darkly and neatly. Blue or black ink is recommended. Do not make any erasures in your free-response work. Cross out anything you do not want evaluated. Box your answer.
  • Bubble your answers to the multiple-choice question on the front page.
  • The formula sheet is on the back of the front page. This page may be removed during the quiz if it makes things easier for you, but it must, of course, be submitted as it has your name and MC answers on it.
  • Initial the odd pages in the top margin, in case the pages of your quiz get separated.
  • If the page for a free-response problem has insuffcient space for your work, ask a proctor for an additional sheet. If you wish this work to be evaluated, put your name on the sheet and make a note on the problem page, so graders will know where to find your work.
Remember that calculators that cannot store text may be used on the quizzes and final exam. Note that if your calculator keypad includes a complete alphabet, that's a very good sign that it cannot be used. Do not expect to be provided with an appropriate calculator if you do not bring your own.
Remember our expectations for your work on the free response problems, which are the same good problem-solving practices you should be using on the homework, anyway.
  • Units should be shown with any value that has a unit
  • Algebraic manipulations should be performed with symbols, not values
  • Consider, but do not obsess over, significant figures
You may find an example helpful.
Sep 20
China Summer Program
You may be interested in China Summer Program. The early bird registration deadline is December 15.
Sep 13
Quiz #1 Results
Results for Quiz #1 are available as a percent in the Canvas gradebook under Quiz #1.
The Gradescope link in the Canvas navigation menu will take you to Gradescope, where you will be able to see how you did on each Free Response problem and Multiple Choice question. Because the FR problems were graded as a percent, but the MC questions were graded as points, it was necessary to treat each student's quiz as if it were two quizzes in Gradescope, one with the FR problems and one with the MC questions. (The score posted in Canvas is your combined score.) Gradescope also shows you an internal code like ProbC d that is used to identify a particular question and its correct answer choice, despite the fact that it has a different question number on different versions of the quiz.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded, you should contact Dr. Murray (the request regrade button in Gradescope is simplest, if that's your concern) before Quiz #2 is administered on Monday, September 30.
Sep 11
Quiz #1 Solutions and Results
Solutions to Quiz #1 have been posted. We hope to have scores available later this week.
Sep 05
Quiz Locations
Quiz #1 will be administered on Monday, September 9, at 6:00pm. Students should go to the following rooms for this quiz. Do NOT go to the location listed in OSCAR (unless, of course, it just happens to match the location below). If any student goes to the wrong room, it is likely that there will be insufficient seats and/or quiz forms in that room! You may want to review the Quiz Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Your quizzes will scanned into Gradescope for grading. To make this go more smoothly:
  • Write darkly and neatly. Blue or black ink is recommended. Do not make any erasures in your free-response work. Cross out anything you do not want evaluated. Box your answer.
  • Bubble your answers to the multiple-choice question on the front page.
  • The formula sheet is on the back of the front page. This page may be removed during the quiz if it makes things easier for you, but it must, of course, be submitted as it has your name and MC answers on it.
  • Initial the odd pages in the top margin, in case the pages of your quiz get separated.
  • If the page for a free-response problem has insuffcient space for your work, ask a proctor for an additional sheet. If you wish this work to be evaluated, put your name on the sheet and make a note on the problem page, so graders will know where to find your work.
Remember that calculators that cannot store text may be used on the quizzes and final exam. Note that if your calculator keypad includes a complete alphabet, that's a very good sign that it cannot be used. Do not expect to be provided with an appropriate calculator if you do not bring your own.
Remember our expectations for your work on the free response problems, which are the same good problem-solving practices you should be using on the homework, anyway.
  • Units should be shown with any value that has a unit
  • Algebraic manipulations should be performed with symbols, not values
  • Consider, but do not obsess over, significant figures
You may find an example helpful.
Aug 30
MasteringPhysics Access
An access code for permanent access to MasteringPhysics, as well as a link to instructions, has been sent to you by email, and is available in Piazza.
Aug 30
Homework Scores
Scores for the first week's homework, including extra credit for doing the Regular homework early, are available in the Canvas PostEm Tool. Note that extra credit will only appear in scores posted on Canvas, never in MasteringPhysics. Contact Dr. Murray if anything doesn't look right.
Aug 30
Recitation
Solutions to the first recitation problem has been posted. This will be done after each recitation is complete, and so will not normally be announced.
Aug 28
Society of Physics Students
You may be interested in the Society of Physics Students. Among other activities, they organize study groups.
Aug 26
Peer-Led Undergraduate Study
The Center for Academic Success offers Peer-Led Undergraduate Study.
For section A (Murray)
  • Leader is Ted Vlady
  • Mondays and Wednesdays at 8pm in CULC 280
For section B (Taboada)
  • Leader is Angela Luo
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm in CULC 278
Aug 20
Resume Review & Interview Rehearsal
The Center for Career Discovery and Development invites you to their Resume Review & Interview Rehearsal Aug 27–29 (Resume Review) and Sep 3–5 (Interview Rehearsal).

First Day:

Cover of Text Text
An e-text of Physics for Scientists and Engineers — A Strategic Approach (Fourth Edition) by Randall D. Knight will be provided with MasteringPhysics. If you wish to purchase a hard copy,

Attendance
You may be interested in the distribution of course grades by class attendance in PHYS 2211 for more than 2800 students in recent semesters.

Students who attend class earn better grades

You should be aware that there is a wealth of historical data in the traditional introductory physics courses that clearly point out two winning strategies: go to class and do EXTRA homework. Please take some time to look over this data; you may be surprised at how much of a difference such efforts can make, popular myths to the contrary notwithstanding.

How to Earn an "A"
Students who earned a grade of "A" in some previous semesters were invited to provide suggestions for students this semester. If you want to know how they did it, and how (we hope) you can too, read their advice.