PHYS 003. General Physics I: Motion, Forces, and Energy

Topics include vectors, kinematics, Newton’s laws and dynamics, conservation laws, work and energy, oscillatory motion, systems of particles, and rigid body rotation. Possible additional topics are special relativity and thermodynamics. This course is the usual entry point to majoring or minoring in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics, and is a pre or co-requisite for the sophomore-level physics major curriculum; it welcomes both non-majors and prospective majors who are interested in engaging rigorously and deeply with both the mathematical and conceptual descriptions of physics.
Corequisite: MATH 015
Natural sciences and engineering practicum.
Lab required.
1 credit.
Fall 2025. Banner.
Fall 2026. Zanger.
Fall 2027 Zanger.
Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy

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