Materials List for Physics 232

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".

Required Text:

Phy 231-232:  The text is the current edition of University Physics by Young. 

It is possible to use previous editions of the text.  If you wish to do so, contact the instructor with information about the edition you are considering to be sure it can be supported.

Supplementary optional FREE text (strictly a supplement; does not replace the required text): 

Starting this term a supplementary free text is available.  This text is strictly for supplement, in case you have difficult with the course textbook or just want an occasional alternative explanation.  It is written for a College Physics course and is not calculus-based.  However the overlap between a good algebra-trig-based text and a University Physics text is at least 75%, and this text is very well-written and available at an attractive price (it's free).  You should take a look to see what is available here.

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.

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. 

Lab Materials

The full lab materials package will be available through the VHCC bookstore starting around the second week of classes, and won't be required until about the third week. 

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.

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.

All labs, unless otherwise noted, were created by the instructor.

DVD's

The DVDs containing video lectures are included in the Initial Materials Package, which used for early labs.  These materials are mailed when the student submits the form

http://vhcc2.vhcc.edu/dsmith/initial_materials_form.htm

This form should be submitted right now, if it hasn't already been submitted.

The DVD's were created by the instructor.

Playing the videos

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.