MEC 104

Practical Science

Fall 2008

Catalog Data: MEC 104: Practical Science. Credit 3. A practical introduction to the science and engineering of objects and phenomena in everyday life. The basic principles that underlie the operation common to modern devices such as roller coasters, balloons, vacuum cleaners, airplanes, bicycles, thermostats, air conditioners, and automobiles are developed by investigating how they work. Issues of design, safety, and environmental impact are also discussed.

Textbook: How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life, Louis A. Bloomfield,

SBU edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York (2001).

Instructor: Professor John M. Kincaid, Department of Mechanical Engineering

John.Kincaid@sunysb.edu

rm 135 Light Engineering, 2-8320

office hours

Goals:

1. acquire an understanding of basic science and engineering as they are manifest in

the operation of every day technologies;

2. learn to think logically in order to solve problems;

3. develop and expand physical intuitions;

4. learn how things work.

Topics:

1. The Laws of Motion, I

1.1 Skating

1.2 Falling Balls

1.3 Ramps

2. The Laws of Motion, II

2.1 Seesaws

2.2 Wheels

2.3 Bumper Cars

3. Mechanical Objects

3.1 Spring Scales

3.2 Bouncing Balls

3.3 Carousels and Roller Coasters

3.4 Bicycles

3.5 Earth, Sun, and Moon

4. Fluids

4.1 Balloons

4.2 Water Distribution

4.4 Elevators

5. Fluids and Motion

5.1 Garden Watering

5.2 Balls and Frisbees

5.3 Airplanes and Rockets

5.4 Vacuum Cleaners

6. Heat and Thermodynamics

6.1 Woodstoves

6.2 Incandescent Light Bulbs

6.3 Air Conditioners

6.4 Automobiles

6.7 The Atmosphere

7. Resonance and Mechanical Waves

7.1 Clocks

7.2 Violins and Pipe Organs

Computer Usage: minimal

Laboratory Projects: None

Grades: Best 3 (out of 4) exams (33.33% each)

PLUS

Extra-credit work (10%)

Americans with Disabilities Act

If you have a physical, psychological, medical, or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services at (631) 632-6748 or http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/dss/. They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential.

Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures and information go to the following website: http://www.sunysb.edu/ehs/fire/disabilities.shtml

Statement on Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty is an extremely serious offense and will not be tolerated in any form. Academic dishonesty in general is the presentation of intellectual work that is not originally yours. Examples include, but are not limited to, copying or plagiarizing class assignments including homework, reports, designs, and other submitted materials; copying or otherwise communicating answers on exams with other students; bringing unapproved aids, either in physical (written) or electronic form to an exam; obtaining copies of an exam prior to its administration, etc. Academic dishonesty violates both the ethical and moral standards of the Engineering profession and all infractions related to academic dishonesty will be prosecuted to the fullest via the CEAS CASA committee. For you, the honest student, academic dishonesty results in lower class curves, hence a depression in your GPA and class standing, while cheapening the degree you earn.

Revised 8/27/08