PHYS 102 :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Week 15 (4/15-19): This is our last week of new content for Physics 101.

As we close in on the end of the semester I encourage you to pay attention to opportunities that are still open for earning points in the class, particularly the remaining bonus points and late homework deadlines. We will not be offering any other extra credit or point-earning opportunities at the end of the semester beyond those that are already available to you.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines this week:

• Class Meetings
  • Lectures 26 and 27
  • Discussion 14/Quiz 10
  • Lab practical (at your regular lab meeting time)
• Online assignments
  • [smartPhysics] Prelecture and Checkpoint 26
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 13 is due at 8am on Thursday, April 25
  • [smartPhysics] Online component of lab practical opens midweek
• Action items
  • Make your Final Exam reservation on PrairieTest

Final Exam prep materials:

• Study Guides from Exam 1, Exam 2, and Exam 3, and Lectures 20-27
•  Previous hour exams
• Final review video available in Mediaspace Channel

Here is a summary of all remaining schedule and deadlines this semester:

Exam 3 resources:

• Exam 3 will cover topics from Lectures 16-23
• Expect to see two warmup questions on the test, and 20 physics questions
• You will use the same formula sheet as always
• See the Exam 3 Study Guide document for details about what are expected to know for the exam
• Use the Practice Exam on PrairieLearn to check your understanding of ideas and equations

Week 14 (4/15-19): We've started thermodynamics!

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines this week:

• Class Meetings
  • Lectures 24 and 25
    • Lecture 25 attendance optional
  • Discussion 13/No Quiz
  • No Lab
• Online assignments
  • [PrairieLearn] Quiz 9 retake on Monday
  • [smartPhysics] Prelectures and Checkpoints 24 and 25
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 12 is due at 8am on Thursday, April 18
• Action items
  • Study for and take Exam 3
  • Make your Final Exam reservation on PrairieTest

On Monday April 8 there will be no in-person lecture and some office hours have been rescheduled. We hope you have a fun and safe eclipse experience!

Week 13 (4/8-12): Waves and Sound

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines this week:

• Class Meetings
  • Lecture 22 is an asynchronous video lecture
  • Lecture 23 will be held as usual on Wednesday
  • Discussion 12/Quiz 9
  • Lab 8
• Online assignments
  • [PrairieLearn] Quiz 8 retake on Monday
  • [smartPhysics] Prelectures and Checkpoints 22 and 23
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 11 is due at 8am on Thursday, April 11
  • [smartPhysics] Prelab 8 is due at 8am on the day your lab meets
• Action items
  • Make your Exam 3 reservation on PrairieTest
  • Make your Final Exam reservation on PrairieTest

Looking forward to Exam 3 and Week 14:

• Exam 3 will cover topics from Lectures 16-23
• Expect to see two warmup questions on the test, and about 20 physics questions
• You will use the same formula sheet as always
• See the Exam 3 Study Guide document for details about what are expected to know for the exam
• Attendance will be optional for Lecture 25 on Wednesday 4/17

We will hold the Physics 101 final exam at the CBTF May 2-May 6. Please make your reservation in PrairieTest.

Week 12 (4/1-5): Simple Harmonic Motion

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines this week:

• Class Meetings
  • Lectures 20 and 21
  • Discussion 11/Quiz 8
  • Lab 7
• Online assignments
  • [PrairieLearn] Quiz 7 retake on Monday
  • [smartPhysics] Prelectures and Checkpoints 20 and 21
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 10 is due at 8am on Thursday, April 4
  • [smartPhysics] Prelab 7 is due at 8am on the day your lab meets
• Action items
  • Make your Final Exam reservation on PrairieTest
  • Look into ways to view the total solar eclipse on Monday April 8. To facilitate travel to the path of totality, Lecture 22 will be given as an asynchronous video lecture.

Looking forward to Exam 3 and Week 14:

• Exam 3 will cover topics from Lectures 16-23
• Expect to see two warmup questions on the test, and about 20 physics questions
• You will use the same formula sheet as always
• See the Exam 3 Study Guide document for details about what are expected to know for the exam
• Attendance will be optional for Lecture 25 on Wednesday 4/17

We will hold the Physics 101 final exam at the CBTF May 2-May 6. The CBTF staff are working on making more exam reservations available. If you do not have a reservation yet please wait a little bit. We will make sure that everyone is able to take their final exam.

Week 11 (3/25-29): Congratulations on completing Exam 2! We will import grades into the gradebook on Monday or Tuesday.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines this week:

• Class Meetings
  • Lectures 18 and 19
  • Discussion 10/Quiz 7
  • Prelab/Lab 6
• Online assignments
  • [smartPhysics] Prelectures and Checkpoints 18 and 19
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 9 is due at 8am on Thursday, March 28
• Action items
  • Check in with your TA or Professor Ansell with any after-exam questions
  • Make your Final Exam reservation on PrairieTest
  • Look into ways to view the total solar eclipse on Monday April 8. To facilitate travel to the path of totality, Lecture 22 will be given as an asynchronous video lecture.

Final Exam signups are now available in PrairieTest. We will hold the Physics 101 final exam at the CBTF May 2-May 6.

Week 10 (3/18-3/22): Exam 2 is this week Tues-Thurs. Please see our illness policy for how to request an EX grade on an exam if you are ill.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines this week:

• Class Meetings
  • Lectures 16 and 17
    • Lecture 17 attendance is optional
  • Discussion 9/No Quiz
  • No lab
  • Exam 2 runs Tuesday through Thursday
• Online assignments
  • [PrairieTest] Quiz 6 retake on Monday
  • [smartPhysics] Prelecture and Checkpoint 16 due Monday, March 18
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 8 is due at 8am on Thursday, March 21
  • [smartPhysics] 90% deadline on Homeworks 5-7 is 8am on Thursday, March 21
• Action items
  • Make your Exam 2 reservation on PrairieTest
  • Make your Final Exam reservation on PrairieTest

Exam 2 information:

• Exam 2 will cover topics from Lectures 8-15
• Expect to see two warmup questions on the test, and about 20 physics questions
• You will use the same formula sheet as always
• See the Exam 2 Study Guide document for details about what you are expected to know for the exam
• See the Lecture 15 slides for figures and an annotated list of learning objectives that will be measured on the exam
• A practice exam is posted in PrairieLearn

Final Exam signups are now available in PrairieTest. We will hold the Physics 101 final exam at the CBTF May 2-May 6.

Week 9 (3/11-3/15): We hope you enjoy your Spring Break. There is nothing due in Physics 101 this week.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines for when we return in Week 10:

• Class Meetings
  • Lectures 16 and 17
    • Lecture 17 attendance is optional
  • Discussion 9/No Quiz
  • No lab
  • Exam 2 runs Tuesday through Thursday
• Online assignments
  • [PrairieTest] Quiz 6 retake on Monday
  • [smartPhysics] Prelecture and Checkpoint 16 due Monday, March 18
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 8 is due at 8am on Thursday, March 21
  • [smartPhysics] 90% deadline on Homeworks 5-7 is 8am on Thursday, March 21
• Action items
  • Make your Exam 2 reservation on PrairieTest
  • If you are looking for extra assistance to prepare for Exam 2: Come to office hours, connect with OMSA free tutoring, or seek out a private tutor (your TA may be able to connect you with graduate students who are interested in tutoring)

Exam 2 information:

• Exam 2 will cover topics from Lectures 8-15
• Expect to see two warmup questions on the test, and about 20 physics questions
• You will use the same formula sheet as always
• See the Exam 2 Study Guide document for details about what you are expected to know for the exam
• See the Lecture 15 slides for figures and an annotated list of learning objectives that will be measured on the exam
• A practice exam will be posted in PrairieLearn midweek

Week 8 (3/4-8)

If you are struggling with burnout or have fallen behind in the course in some way, please consider reaching out to the Student Assistance Center to get connected with resources to help you take care of yourself and get back on track. You may also consider looking at the mental health resources link. It may be helpful to look at resources for studying and test taking from DGS and DRES.

If you are encountering difficulties with the math in this course, we encourage you to utilize online resources and office hours for assistance. This OpenStax chapter on right triangles is useful for reviewing when to use sine, cosine, and tangent; and this chapter reviews methods for solving two equations with two unknowns.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines for Week 8:

• Class Meetings
  • Lectures 14 and 15
  • Discussion 8/Quiz 6
  • Lab 5
• Online assignments
  • [PrairieTest] Quiz 5 retake on Monday
  • [smartPhysics] Prelectures and Checkpoints 14 and 15
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 7 is due at 8am on Thursday, March 7
  • [smartPhysics] Prelab 5 is due at 8am on the day your lab meets
• Action items
  • [James Scholar Students] Project proposals are due in Gradescope on Thursday March 7
  • Make your Exam 2 reservation on PrairieTest
  • If you are looking for extra assistance to prepare for Exam 2: Come to office hours, connect with OMSA free tutoring, or seek out a private tutor (your TA may be able to connect you with graduate students who are interested in tutoring)

Looking forward to Exam 2 and Week 10:

• Exam 2 will cover topics from Lectures 8-15
• Expect to see two warmup questions on the test, and about 20 physics questions
• You will use the same formula sheet as always
• See the Exam 2 Study Guide document for details about what you are expected to know for the exam
• See the Lecture 15 slides for figures and an annotated list of learning objectives that will be measured on the exam
• Attendance will be optional for Lecture 17 on Wednesday 3/20

Week 7 (2/26-3/1)

If you are struggling with burnout or have fallen behind in the course in some way, please consider reaching out to the Student Assistance Center to get connected with resources to help you take care of yourself and get back on track. You may also consider looking at the mental health resources link. It may be helpful to look at resources for studying and test taking from DGS and DRES.

If you are encountering difficulties with the math in this course, we encourage you to utilize online resources and office hours for assistance. This OpenStax chapter on right triangles is useful for reviewing when to use sine, cosine, and tangent; and this chapter reviews methods for solving two equations with two unknowns.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines for Week 7:

• Class Meetings
  • Lectures 12 and 13
  • Discussion 7/Quiz 5
  • Lab 4
• Online assignments
  • [PrairieTest] Quiz 4 retake on Monday
  • [smartPhysics] Prelectures and Checkpoints 12 and 13
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 6 is due at 8am on Thursday, February 29
  • [smartPhysics] Prelab 4 is due at 8am on the day your lab meets
• Action items
  • [James Scholar Students] Start to work to identify your project topic or article
  • If you are looking for individual feedback or advice after Exam 1: Talk to your TA and/or arrange a one-on-one meeting with Prof. Ansell
  • If you are looking for extra help after Exam 1: Come to office hours, connect with OMSA free tutoring, or seek out a private tutor (your TA may be able to connect you with graduate students who are interested in tutoring)

Week 6 (2/19-22) Exam 1 is complete. We will send out a debriefing email and open up the assessment for review in PrairieLearn on Monday. There will be no curve on Exam 1 scores.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines for Week 6:

• Class Meetings
  • Lectures 10 and 11
  • Discussion 6/Quiz 4
  • Lab 3
• Online assignments
  • [smartPhysics] Prelectures and Checkpoints 10 and 11
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 5 is due at 8am on Thursday, February 22
  • [smartPhysics] Prelab 3 is due at 8am on the day your lab meets
• Action items
  • [James Scholar Students] Start to work to identify your project topic or article
  • If you are looking for individual feedback or advice after Exam 1: Talk to your TA and/or arrange a one-on-one meeting with Prof. Ansell
  • If you are looking for extra help after Exam 1: Come to office hours, connect with OMSA free tutoring, or seek out a private tutor (your TA may be able to connect you with graduate students who are interested in tutoring)

Week 5 (2/12-2/16) Exam 1 takes place Tuesday-Thursday this week.

If you are feeling anxious as you prepare for the exam please consider checking out this document from the Counseling Center with advice on test anxiety.

If you are encountering difficulties with the math in this course, we encourage you to utilize online resources and office hours for assistance. This OpenStax chapter on right triangles is useful for reviewing when to use sine, cosine, and tangent; and this chapter reviews methods for solving two equations with two unknowns.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines for Week 5:

• Class Meetings
  • Lectures 8 and 9
    • Lecture 9 attendance optional
    • New unit in Lecture 9: Energy
  • Discussion 5/No Quiz
  • No Lab
• Online assignments
  • [PrairieTest] Quiz 3 retake on Monday
  • [smartPhysics] Prelectures and Checkpoints 8 and 9
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 4 is due at 8am on Thursday, Februrary 16
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 1-3 90% deadline at 8am on Thursday, February 16
• Action items
  • Sign up for your Exam 1 time slot in PrairieTest
  • Complete the CBTF Orientation to familiarize yourself with policies and procedures

Exam 1 information summary:

• Exam 1 will cover content from Lectures 1-7* (Lecture 7 will include worked examples. The exam will NOT cover friction or the dynamics of circular motion)
• Study guide with learning objectives for Exam 1
• Review lectures to prepare for conceptual questions
• Practice calculation problems from old Physics 101 exams
• There will be extra office hours this week to support your studying
• Information about taking the exam at the CBTF can be found here.
• Homeworks 1-3 are open for 90% credit through Thursday 2/15 at 8am to help you study
• Homework 4 will be open for 90% credit through Thursday 2/21 at 8am
• Previous quizzes will be available for you to review in PrairieLearn

Week 4 (2/5-2/9)

Exam 1 information summary:

• Exam 1 will cover content from Lectures 1-7* (Lecture 7 will include worked examples. The exam will NOT cover friction or the dynamics of circular motion)
• Study guide with learning objectives for Exam 1
• Review lectures to prepare for conceptual questions
• Practice calculation problems from old Physics 101 exams
• There will be extra office hours this week to support your studying
• Information about taking the exam at the CBTF can be found here.
• Homeworks 1-3 are open for 90% credit through Thursday 2/15 at 8am to help you study
• Homework 4 will be open for 90% credit through Thursday 2/21 at 8am
• Previous quizzes will be available for you to review in PrairieLearn

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines for Week 4:

• Class Meetings:
  • Lectures 6 and 7
  • Discussion 4/Quiz 3
  • Lab 2
• Online assignments
  • [PrairieTest] Quiz 2 retake on Monday
  • [smartPhysics] Prelectures and Checkpoints 6 and 7
  • [smartPhysics] Prelab 2 is due 8am the day your lab section meets
  • [smartPhysics] Homework 3 is due at 8am on Thursday, February 8
• Action items
  • Sign up for your Exam 1 time slot in PrairieTest
  • Complete the CBTF Orientation to familiarize yourself with policies and procedures
  • Get your smartphysics access code ASAP before the demo period runs out. We will not be extending smartphysics deadlines for students who forget to get their code on time.

Week 3 (1/29-2/2) If you just joined the course, please take some time to review the course website and the Getting Started page. This page will help you make sure you are ready for each component of the class.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines for Week 3:

Remember to purchase your smartPhysics access code before the DEMO period expires. Use the code you receive in smart.physics.illinois.edu, not at flipitphysics.com.

• Class Meetings:
  • Lecture 4 on Monday and Lecture 5 on Wednesday
  • Discussion 3/Quiz 2
  • Lab 1
• Online assignments
  • [PrairieTest] The Quiz 1 Retake will run from 8am Monday through 8am Tuesday of this week
  • [smartPhysics] Prelectures and Checkpoints 4 and 5 are due 8am on Monday and Wednesday, respectively
  • Prelab 1 is due at 8am on the day your lab section meets
  • Homework 2 is due at 8am on Thursday, February 1
• Action items
  • Sign up for an Exam 1 time slot in PrairieTest starting February 1
  • Office hours continue in 271 Loomis (schedule). Remember to add your question to the Office Hours Queue to get a bonus point.
• • Exam 1 will cover content from Lectures 1-7* (Lecture 7 will include worked examples. The exam will NOT cover friction or the dynamics of circular motion)
  • Study guide with learning objectives for Exam 1
  • Review lectures to prepare for conceptual questions
  • Practice calculation problems from old Physics 101 exams

Week 2 (1/22-26) If you just joined the course, please take some time to review the course website and the Getting Started page. They will help you make sure you are ready for each component of the class.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines for Week 2 (beginning January 22, 2024):

• Class meetings:
  • Lecture 2 on Monday and Lecture 3 on Wednesday
  • Discussion 2/Quiz 1
  • There is no lab meeting this week. Lab will start next week.
• Online (smartPhysics) assignments
  • Prelecture 2 and Checkpoint 2 are due at 8am on Monday January 22
  • Prelecture 3 and Checkpoint 3 are due at 8am on Wednesday January 24
  • Prelab 0 is due at 8am on Thursday January 25
  • Homework 1 is due at 8am on Thursday January 25
• Action items
  • Bring your iclicker or a device with the iclicker student app to class so you can participate in class polling starting in Lecture 2. Physical iclickers must be registered in your iclicker.com student account for you to get credit in lecture.
    • You can earn a bonus point for the week by answering 50% of questions correctly in either lecture.
    • You must answer at 50% of poll questions in each lecture to earn participation credit for that lecture.
    • You may get credit for attending the 1pm or 2pm lecture.
  • If you have not arranged to get an IOLab yet you should do so right away - you will need it for Prelab 1 and Lab 1 next week.
  • Purchase your smartPhysics access code from the bookstore before the DEMO period expires. Enter the code you receive in smart.physics.illinois.edu, not at flipitphysics.com.
  • [DRES students] Follow these instructions to arrange your accommodations.
• Other announcements
  • Office hours begin Monday 1/22 in 271 Loomis (schedule). Remember to add your question to the Office Hours Queue to get a bonus point.

Welcome to Physics 101. As the semester begins, please take some time to review the course website, especially the Getting Started page. This page will help you make sure you are ready for each component of the class. We look forward to getting to know you this semester.

Welcome to Physics 101. As we prepare for the semester to begin, please take some time to review the Getting Started page. This page will help you make sure you are ready for each component of the class. We look forward to getting to know you this semester.

View a copy of the welcome email sent on January 10.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines for Week 1 (beginning January 15, 2024):

• Class meetings:
  • Lecture 1 will be held on Wednesday, January 17.
  • Discussion sections will meet in Week 1. Check your course schedule to make sure you know where to be and when. Students with sections on Tuesdays will have discussion before the first lecture.
  • There is no lab in Week 1 or Week 2.
• Online (smartPhysics) assignments
  • The first prelecture and checkpoint assignments are due at 8am on January 17, i.e., they are due the morning of the first lecture.
  • Prelab 0 is due on Thursday January 25 at 8am.
  • There is no Homework assignment this week. Homework 1 will be due Thursday 1/25 at 8am.
• Action items
  • You may choose whether you will use a physical iClicker or the iClicker Cloud app. Sign up for an account and add yourself to the Physics 101 class at iclicker.com before Lecture 2.
  • If you have not arranged to get an IOLab yet you should do so right away - you will need it for Prelab 1 and Lab 1 in Week 3.
  • If you need DRES accommodations please follow the instructions here. We will not be able to make accommodations unless we have your LOA.
  • If the Spring semester includes a holiday that you observe that will prevent you from attending class, please fill out the Religious Observances Absence Letter Request Form to get a letter from your Dean that can be used to excuse related absences.
• Other announcements
  • Office hours begin in Week 2.