How much calculus is in 1st semester physics?

[Nitrus]

im currently taking 1st semester physics, were using the Serway "Physics for scientists and engineers" book, and were going through chapter 22 which is thermodynamics... what elements of physics do i need to be familiar with? Will it be used a lot or not really until E&M?

 

[Cod]

For physics, my school has 2 classes that are calculus based and 2 that are not calculus based. Both are beginning classes in physics UNLESS you are a physics major. If that's the case, then you have to take all 4 classes. Remember that this is my school and yours could be different, but that should give you a good idea. Take a look in your school catalog for more information. I'm sure you'll find your answers in there or even the school website.

 

[meister]

I'm currently using that exact textbook here, in third quarter E&M, and we use quite a bit of calculus. I didn't take the first two quarters of physics with this book, but it seems that this particular book does employ a fair amount of calculus.


Keep in mind the material in first quarter physics lends itself to require only the most basic calculus.

 

[quartodeciman]

Study of thermodynamics requires both total and partial differentiation, which is hard to master without calculus preparation.

 

[schwarzchildradius]

If your mechanics course is calculus based, you'll definitely benefit from taking calc I concurrently with it.