- #1
Tagl00king
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I was just wondering what type of calculus is in cal based physics 1? I'm a little rusty at calculus, so I was just curious...
What type of calculus is in physics 1?
- Thread starter Tagl00king
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the type of calculus required for a calculus-based Physics 1 course, particularly in the context of different educational institutions and textbooks. Participants share their experiences and expectations regarding the calculus content and its application in physics, with a focus on mechanics.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that a good understanding of differential and integral calculus, along with vector algebra, is necessary for calculus-based Physics 1.
- Others argue that the actual calculus used in Physics 1 may be minimal, often limited to basic integrals and derivatives, primarily for simplifying derivations.
- A participant notes that the syllabus and textbook can vary significantly between institutions, leading to different expectations regarding calculus content.
- One participant mentions that their school only required basic calculus knowledge as a co-requisite, resulting in limited use of calculus in exams.
- Another participant emphasizes the importance of knowing how to differentiate and integrate polynomials and trigonometric functions, but acknowledges variability in course content.
- There is a suggestion to consult the course syllabus or email the instructor for specific details about the calculus requirements.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that the calculus content in Physics 1 can vary widely depending on the institution and course structure. Multiple competing views remain regarding the extent and application of calculus in the course.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight that "Physics 1" can refer to different courses with varying levels of difficulty and content, which may affect the calculus requirements. There is also mention of the need for algebra and trigonometry in problem-solving, alongside calculus.
- #2
Saph
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For calculus based physics 1 ( like K&K mechanics), you need good understanding of differential and integral calculus, along with some vector algebra and vector calculus, most of what you need, beside knowing basic integration and differentiation will be introduced along the way.
- #3
jtbell
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I don't think most schools use Kleppner & Kolenkow for "Physics 1". 
Just to make sure, Tagl00king might want to tell us which textbook he's using (or will be using).
At the colleges where I've studied and taught, the first semester of calculus based intro physics used some single-variable differential and integral calculus. Nothing fancy, just polynomials, sines and cosines and the chain rule. Usually less integral calc than differential calc.
And most of the exercises use only algebra and trig. Only a few use calculus. The calculus is used mainly to simplify derivations.
Just to make sure, Tagl00king might want to tell us which textbook he's using (or will be using).
At the colleges where I've studied and taught, the first semester of calculus based intro physics used some single-variable differential and integral calculus. Nothing fancy, just polynomials, sines and cosines and the chain rule. Usually less integral calc than differential calc.
And most of the exercises use only algebra and trig. Only a few use calculus. The calculus is used mainly to simplify derivations.
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- #4
Saph
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Yes you're right. I first wrote a long reply, then i noticed that he said " cal based physics 1" so I assumed that he meant physics at the level of K&K.jtbell said:I don't think most schools use Kleppner & Kolenkow for "Physics 1".
- #5
toumaza
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almost 90% of calculus has to do with physics
- #6
Remixex
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Posting the syllabus might help, physics 1 can mean many things. (In my university for example "physics 1" is a LOT easier, and taught a lot earlier than "classical mechanics 1")
- #7
RandomPoster
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At my school, Calculus I is only a co-requisite for Physics I, so we used barely any at all. Like we had some basic integrals (center of mass, gravitational field, moment of inertia), and maybe a few derivatives on homework (wave equations). Of course, I'm just talking about what we actually had to do; naturally we had a good amount in explanations in the textbook and such. I don't think I had to take a single derivative or integral on any of the three exams or the final.
Of course, we did make extensive use of vectors.
Of course, we did make extensive use of vectors.
- #8
Vanadium 50
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JTBell's answer is the best - by far. "Physics 1" means so many different things. Where I went to school there are five variants of "Physics 1". And that's at one school! You need to see the syallabus, or at least the textbook.
- #9
Tagl00king
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Hey guys! Thanks for all the replies.
This is the book:http://www.abebooks.com/97803217530...earson-eText-Standalone-Access-0321753054/plp
I don't have the syllabus yet. It's calculus based physics 1 at a community college.
Here's a description of the course:
https://www1.dcccd.edu/catalog/coursedescriptions/detail.cfm?course=PHYS&number=2425
Can anyone help anymore? I remember derivatives and chain rule, but I don't remember much of the integrals or limits or stuff like that...
This is the book:http://www.abebooks.com/97803217530...earson-eText-Standalone-Access-0321753054/plp
I don't have the syllabus yet. It's calculus based physics 1 at a community college.
Here's a description of the course:
https://www1.dcccd.edu/catalog/coursedescriptions/detail.cfm?course=PHYS&number=2425
Can anyone help anymore? I remember derivatives and chain rule, but I don't remember much of the integrals or limits or stuff like that...
- #10
PhotonSSBM
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You'll have to differentiate and integrate polynomials and sines and cosines. Maybe deal with a chain rule. That's it.
- #11
Student100
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PhotonSSBM said:
Only it isn't always, see V50's post.
- #12
jtbell
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Tagl00king said:
Have you considered e-mailing the professor/instructor? He's (or she's) probably in the best position to know what's going to happen in your class.
- #13
symbolipoint
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Know what a derivative means, know what an integral means, know how to use them. Taking derivative and integrating will be used as tools. Most problem-solving for the first course in the series for Physics (emphasizing Mechanics) for Science & Engineering students will rely on algebra, trigonometry, and vectorsTagl00king said:
- #14
Tagl00king
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Thanks for all of the help! I don't have my instructors email yet, that was my first choice. Anyway, thanks! I'll have to start studying.