School of Physics

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

Old Announcements

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Apr 21
Final Exam: Time, Location, Format
The Final Exam will have four Free-Response problems, together worth about half the points on the exam (so, 13% each). There will be 16 Multiple-Choice questions worth the rest (3% each). Some of the Multiple-Choice may require a bit more calculation than the Multiple-Choice did on the quizzes, but many will be strictly conceptual. We believe that topics in the course are covered roughly evenly — that is, there is no special emphasis on material after Quiz #4.
The same standardized formula sheet that was provided for the quizzes will also be provided for final exam. Additionally, Table 12-2 from your text, Moments of Inertia of Objects with Uniform Density, will be provided.
Remember that the Final Exam for PHYS 2211 will be held Exam Period Twenty, Wednesday, May 3, from 6:00 to 8:50pm. Students should go to the following rooms, which are the same as the quiz rooms for section B and C (Sponberg and Murray), but are different for section A (Matsumoto). If any student goes to the wrong room, it is likely that there will be insufficient seats and/or exam forms in that room!
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.
Apr 19
Quiz #4 Results
Results for Quiz #4 have been posted under PostEm on T-Square. You will find your score, your form number, your responses for multiple-choice questions 1–7, and credit issued for free-response questions I–III. You will find correct answers to the multiple-choice questions, by form number, in a table "MC Answers" on the Quiz Solutions page.
The question about the satellite changing orbit went very poorly and was converted to an extra credit question.
If you wish to calculate your quiz score yourself, add the points earned on all questions other than the extra credit question. Divide the result by 0.92, and add any points earned on the (now) extra-credit question. Round properly. This should match the score posted on T-Square. Scores may exceed 100%.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded once it is returned in recitation, you should see Dr. Murray before the Final Exam is administered on May 03.
Apr 18
Final Exam Time
The final exam period has been set by the Registrar's Office. The Final Exam for PHYS 2211 will be held Exam Period Twenty, Wednesday, May 3, from 6:00 to 8:50pm. If you have three exams on May 3, contact Dr. Murray very soon to arrange an alternative exam. (This is an exception to the general Tech policy of the middle exam being rescheduled.) The only possible direct conflict is with CS 1371—contact the instructor of that course to arrange an alternative exam time.
The location and format of the Final Exam will be announced once they have 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.
Apr 18
Motion Assessment
Another Motion Assessment Diagnostic Concept Test is available on WebAssign for extra credit. Like the first one, it is timed—once you start it, you must finish in 60 minutes. The deadline for completion is 11:59pm this Sunday, Apr 23.
Apr 18
Reading Day Study Session
The Center for Academic Success is hosting a two-hour Intro Physics Study Session at 9am on Reading Day, Wednesday, April 26, in CULC 144 and 152. Students are encouraged to bring their previous exams, quizzes and problem assignments to work on and any other problems with which they would like help.
Apr 13
Quiz #4 Solutions
Solutions to Quiz #4 have been posted. We hope to have grades posted by Friday. We'll let you know how quiz forms will be returned once we've decided on something.
Apr 05
Quiz #4
Quiz #4 will be administered on Monday, Apr 10, at 6:05pm. Students should go to the following rooms, which are the same as for previous 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!
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. Our expectations for your work on the free response problems 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.
You may want to review the Quiz Rules before this quiz. Don't forget your photo ID.
Mar 31
Public Lectures
The final Public Lecture has been scheduled. Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint.
Mar 31
Clicker Survey for Section C (Murray)
As part of the test of the new version of TurningPoint conducted in section C this semester, Tech's Center for Teaching and Learning would be very interested in student feedback. If you are in Dr. Murray's noon lecture section please take a few minutes to let them know what you think with this SURVEY.
Mar 13
Quiz #3 Results
Results for Quiz #3 have been posted under PostEm on T-Square. You will find your score, your form number, your responses for multiple-choice questions 1–7, and credit issued for free-response questions I–III. You will find correct answers to the multiple-choice questions, by form number, in a table "MC Answers" on the Quiz Solutions page.
The question about the system of pulleys went very poorly and was converted to an extra credit question.
Then the Free-Respone problems were re-weighted, so each student's best problem was worth 20 points, their middle problem was worth 16 points, and their worst problem was worth 12 points.
If you wish to calculate your quiz score yourself, add the points earned on all MC questions other than the extra credit question. Add points earned on the FR problems, giving each its proper weighting. Divide the result by 0.92, and add any points earned on the (now) extra-credit question. Round properly. This should match the score posted on T-Square. Scores may exceed 100%.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded once it is returned in recitation, you should see Dr. Murray before Quiz #4 is administered on Apr 10.
Mar 10
Unofficial Mid-Term Grades
Unofficial Mid-Term Grades are available under PostEm on T-Square.
Mar 07
Quiz #3 Solutions
Solutions to Quiz #3 have been posted. We hope to have grades posted by Friday. Quiz forms should be returned in recitation next week.
Mar 01
Quiz #3
Quiz #3 will be administered on Monday, Mar 06, at 6:05pm. Students should go to the following rooms, which are the same as for previous 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!
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. Our expectations for your work on the free response problems 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.
You may want to review the Quiz Rules before this quiz. Don't forget your photo ID.
Feb 28
Quiz #2 Grading Concerns?
Because of the unusually short time between Quiz #2 being returned and Quiz #3 being administered, Dr. Murray will accept Quiz #2 grading concerns up to a week after Quiz #3 is administered, or 'til March 13.
Feb 27
Quiz #2 Results
Results for Quiz #2 have been posted under PostEm on T-Square. You will find your score, your form number, your responses for multiple-choice questions 1–7, and credit issued for free-response questions I–III. You will find correct answers to the multiple-choice questions, by form number, in a table "MC Answers" on the Quiz Solutions page.
The Free-Respone problems were re-weighted, so each student's best problem was worth 24 points, their middle problem was worth 16 points, and their worst problem was worth 12 points. Note that this is 4 points more than the three problems were originally worth, so total scores on the quiz may be as much as 104%.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded once it is returned in recitation, you should see Dr. Murray before March 13.
Feb 24
Public Lectures
Another Public Lecture has been scheduled. There may be more scheduled in the future. Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint.
Feb 22
Quiz #2 Solutions
Solutions to Quiz #2 have been posted. We hope to have grades posted by Friday. Quiz forms should be returned in recitation next week.
Feb 17
Progress Reports
Progress Reports (Mid-Term Grades) have been sent to the Registrar.
Feb 13
Quiz #2
Quiz #2 will be administered on Monday, February 20, at 6:05pm. Students should go to the following rooms, 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!
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. Our expectations for your work on the free response problems 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.
You may want to review the Quiz Rules before this quiz. Don't forget your photo ID.
Feb 07
Public Lecture Records
Attendance records for the first Public Lecture, on Jan 23, are available for sections A and B under PostEm in T-Square. A "1" indicates that your presence was recorded. Contact Dr. Murray with any questions you have.
Section C records will be posted as soon as a complication with the test of the new clicker software can be sorted out.
Feb 02
Quiz #1 Results
Results for Quiz #1 have been posted under PostEm on T-Square. You will find your score, your form number, your responses for multiple-choice questions 1–7, and credit issued for free-response questions I–III. You will find correct answers to the multiple-choice questions, by form number, in a table "MC Answers" on the Quiz Solutions page.
The question about the bouncing ball went very poorly and was converted to an extra credit question. Remember that objects only have the acceleration due to gravity when gravity is the only force acting on them!
If you wish to calculate your quiz score yourself, add the points earned on all questions other than the extra credit question. Divide the result by 0.92, and add any points earned on the (now) extra-credit question. Round properly. This should match the score posted on T-Square. Scores may exceed 100%.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded once it is returned in recitation, you should see Dr. Murray before Quiz #2 is administered on February 20.
Jan 31
Quiz #1 Solutions
Solutions to Quiz #1 have been posted. We hope to have grades posted by Friday. Quiz forms should be returned in recitation next week.
Jan 27
Quiz Locations have been determined!
Quiz #1 will be administered on Monday, January 30, at 6:05pm. Students should go to the following rooms for this and future 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!
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. Our expectations for your work on the free response problems 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.
Be sure to locate your room and read the Quiz Rules before the first quiz. Don't forget your photo ID.
Jan 27
Lab and Recitation
Only the Monday Labs and Recitations meet in week the week of January 30. This is due to the King holiday, and has nothing to do with the quiz (that is, do NOT skip lab and recitation in the week of quiz #2!). Remember that the Lab and Recitation schedules are posted, so you can check them if you are ever wondering if they'll meet.
Jan 24
Quiz #1
Quiz #1 will be administered on Monday, January 30, at 6:05pm. Locations have not yet been determined, but we will make announcements as soon as they are. However, you should not expect your quiz location to be your lecture room, or the location listed in OSCAR for the exam period! Be sure read the Quiz Rules before the first quiz. Don't forget your photo ID.
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. Our expectations for your work on the free response problems 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.
Jan 24
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.
Jan 17
Note Taker Needed for Section C
A student note taker is needed in Section C (Murray) to take notes for a student with a disability. The note taker will be paid a small stipend for this assignment. Skills needed are the ability to take accurate, legible, and organized notes and a commitment to attend every lecture. Note takers will be required to scan and email the notes at least twice a week. If interested, please visit www.disabilityservices.gatech.edu/plugins/notes/taker as soon as possible to enter your courses into the Note taker database. If you are matched with a student needing notes, the Office of Disability Services will contact you and provide additional information for signing up.
Jan 17
Class Participation
Clicker Registration in T-Square has been disabled for sections A and B. If you need to register a new Transmitter or ResponseWare ID, send Dr. Murray the information by email.
Raw scores from the first week of class are available in T-Square under PostEm for sections A and C. This score's only meaning is that if it is not zero, your Transmitter or ResponseWare ID is properly registered and your responses are being recorded.
Jan 17
First Public Lecture
We have details for the first Public Lecture. It is Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint.
Jan 12
Recitation Schedule
The recitation schedule has been revised to synchronize it with the lab schedule.

First Day:

Cover of Text Text
Not surprisingly, all students will need a text. We'll be using Physics for Scientists and Engineers — A Strategic Approach (Fourth Edition) by Randall D. Knight.

Attendance
You may be interested in the distribution of course grades by class attendance in PHYS 2212 for more than 2500 students from Fall 2004, when the Knight text was adopted, through Spring 2008.

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.