Materials List for Physics 121
The text, the supplementary text, and the PHeT simulations were created by their authors and institutions.
All other materials used in the course, unless otherwise attributed, were created by David A. Smith, Virginia Highlands Community College, hereafter referred to as "the instructor".
Textbook Options for Phy 121-122:
Current Text:
The current text is Physics by Giancoli. The ISBN of the current edition (the 7th edition) is 0-321-62592-7.
It is also possible to use the sixth edition of the text. The ISBN of the sixth edition is 978-0130606204.
Optional FREE text:
Starting this term an optional free text may be used as an alternative.
A Web version, versions for popular mobile devices, and PDF versions of this text are available without cost.
A print version can also be ordered at the cost of production, which is currently about $50.
The text is College Physics, ISBN-10 1938168003, ISBN-13 978-1-938168-00-0
The current revision as of 8/1/2012 is Revision CP-1-000-DW.
The text is available through the website http://openstaxcollege.org . Current navigation of the site leads to the page http://openstaxcollege.org./books at which all available texts are listed, then to http://openstaxcollege.org./textbooks/college-physics, at which the College Physics text is listed.
Required calculator
You can use any calculator you wish when you do your homework, but your instructor's best advice is to put your graphing calculator away until you get into your Junior-level courses. You need to be able to think without using the calculator as a crutch.
The only calculator permitted on tests will be the Casio fx-260. This is the same calculator that is legal for the SAT. This calculator is inexpensive, and is available through the VHCC bookstore as well as online.
If you are not near the VHCC campus, I believe it would easily be possible for the bookstore to ship the calculator with your full lab materials package, which will become available (and will be needed) prior to your first test.
Course Video Content online or on USB device
The DVDs containing video lectures have in the past been included in the Initial Materials Package, which used for early labs. However VHCC no longer has a working DVD copier, and there are currently no plans to replace it.
DVD's are now posted online through YouTube.
If you don't have a fast Internet connection it is recommended that you purchase USB flash memory devices containing the video content formerly on the DVD's. These devices will be made available, at your request, by the VHCC bookstore. The cost will be that of the device itself (you may choose either a 16 GB device, which is sufficient for the video content, or a 32 GB device at a slightly higher price, in case you have a use for the extra storage) plus a $5 service charge. You may call the bookstore to ask for the price of the device. (The person you talk to might not yet know about the video files, so the price they give you will not include the $5 service charge). Current prices, as of January 2015, are about $10 for 8 GB and $15 for 16 GB, but this could be subject to change at any time.
To request this option submit the form at
http://vhcc2.vhcc.edu/dsmith/initial_materials_form.htm
and, in the same box you fill in with your mailing address, include a brief request for the video files and the size of the device.
This form should be submitted right now, if it hasn't already been submitted.
Playing the videos
The YouTube videos work in the usual manner.
If you purchase Nearly any Windows computer will be equipped to play the videos. Computers running other operating systems might not be so equipped.
If your computer is not equipped to play these videos, there are a number of free players that will do so. It is up to you to decide which one best meets your needs.
When I ask for recommendations, the one player that is almost universally recommended is the VLC Player. If you search for VLC Player you will easily be able to find and evaluate it. The current website is http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ ; however the site could well change without my being aware of it, so if the link doesn't work do the search.
Lab Materials
The full lab materials package will be available for purchase through the VHCC bookstore starting around the second week of classes, and won't be required until about the third week.
More information about the full lab materials package is available at
http://vhcc2.vhcc.edu/dsmith/forms/lab_kit_form.htm
You should read this form and submit it right now, if you haven't already done so.
A package of inexpensive initial materials is provided immediately when you fill out the Initial Lab Materials Form. The latter form is at
http://vhcc2.vhcc.edu/dsmith/initial_materials_form.htm
and if it hasn't already been submitted, should be submitted immediately. These initial materials will be sent upon receipt of the form.
All labs were authored by the instructor.
The VHCC bookstore ships materials, charging only their cost for shipping. They have a special rate with shippers so the cost of shipping is modest.
To contact the VHCC bookstore call 276-739-2400 and ask for the bookstore.
Except for the PHeT simulations, all listed simulations and utilities were created by the instructor.
The TIMER program, along with instructions for downloading and using it, is located within the lab activity Using the Timer Program . You will encounter it there during the Initial Activities phase of the course so you need not download it at this time, but the link is included here for easy reference.
PHeT simulations can be accessed at PHeT simulations . The simulations can also be accessed directly at http://phet.colorado.edu/ , and downloads are available at that site.
The Windows-based simulation Gravitational Field Simulation (Windows) will be encountered about halfway through the term and is to be downloaded at that time. This simulation is recommended, but if you do not have access to a computer that will run it you may contact the instructor for an alternative based on one of the PHeT simulations.
The windows-based program data program is available but not required, as basic spreadsheet skills provide an alternative for students without access to a Windows computer.