Physics 111 is a course designed to examine questions related to energy from a physicist's perspective. It is not meant to be a general introductory physics course. Instead, the course is meant to be a vehicle through which students can use the methodologies of physics to address any number of interesting energy-related questions.
We will begin by reviewing the concept of energy, discussing the different forms it can take, and paying attention to when it can and cannot be used to do useful work. Having developed a common language, we will explore the sources of energy that we use in society. We will try to understand a bit of the physics involved in each case, but always with an eye toward the practical goal of better understanding the possibilities and limitations that we face as a society.
We will use a variety of source materials, including articles from Scientific American, articles from various journals, the fiction of Isaac Asimov, and searches of the web. We will even make a few field trips to see first hand some of the things about which we will be talking.
If you want to use high powered calculus, look elsewhere. The math that we will employ is better described as high powered arithmetic, with a little algebra thrown in. We will, however, explore the ways in which quantitative analysis can shed light on a variety of problems related in one way or another to energy. The style of analysis we will use is of general value and is not at all limited to physics. Participating students will take turns giving oral presentations and write a number of short essays on various topics. At the end of the semester, each student will write a final paper on a subject that emerges as being of particular interest. There will be no exams. There are no prerequisites for the course, although some familiarity with physics at the high school level is desirable.
Questions can be directed to Prof. Cates at cates@virginia.edu