• 1 is available at the UVa Bookstore for $97.50 (978-1-118-56760-9).
• 1 is available directly from the publisher for $106.50 (with 2 week free grace period).
• 2 is available at the UVa Bookstore for $56.00 (new) or $42.00 (used).
  

Several guided problems per set, submitted via the WileyPlus homework web site. Questions will require independent thought on your part in order to answer them correctly.

The problem sets are not pledged work and you may discuss them with other students and the instructor after you have thought about them yourself. The true purpose of these problem sets is to help you understand the material, not to assign grades, so there is no value in struggling unsuccessfully to understand them on your own.

I have observed over the years, however, that students who simply copy answers from other students or from the instructor, and who don't make a serious effort to understand why those answers are correct, do poorly on the exams. It's in your best interest to work on the problems yourself at first and to seek help from others only when you are having trouble making headway. Similarly, you provide the best help to others when you guide them back onto the correct path, rather than simply giving them an answer.

Problem sets are due by the start of class (1:00:00pm) on the dates listed on the course schedule. Late problem sets are acceptable for reduced credit until 4 days (96 hours) after the due date. The maximum credit is 80% during the first 24 hours, 60% during the second 24 hours, 40% during the third, and 20% during the fourth.

Problem Set 0 (PS0) is a "pre-test" to see how well you understand physics at the start of this course. It is also an introduction to WileyPlus and the homework submission process. It will not be graded (although WileyPlus will report a score). You will instead receive 100% for completing it, 0% for skipping it. Please complete it on your own by January 14 at 1pm.

To help motivate you to do the relevant reading prior to class, I will ask basic questions about the reading and you will submit your answers via your Classroom Response Unit (iClicker or iClicker2). On these "Reading Questions," you will receive 100% credit for a correct answer and 0% credit for an incorrect answer.

To make the class more lively and help keep you engaged, I will ask questions about the issues at hand and you will submit your answers via your Classroom Response Unit (iClicker or iClicker2). On these "Clicker Questions," you will receive 100% credit for a correct answer and 80% credit for an incorrect answer.

When computing your semester iClicker Participation score, I will drop your 8 lowest-scoring days to accommodate unavoidable conflicts such as emergencies, conflicts, family events, illnesses, and althletic travel. I cannot drop additional missed days, regardless of the reason.

Your course grade will be based strictly on your overall numerical score for the semester. I do not curve the individual scores for problem sets, exams, or in-class questions. Students with overall numerical scores near the class average receive approximately a middle-"B" for the semester. Those with scores significantly above class average may receive an "A" or even higher for the semester. Those with scores significantly below class average may receive a "C" or even lower for the semester. I determine the distribution of grades at the end of the semester, based on a historical distribution. In a typical semester, about 30% of students get "A"-range grades, 50% get "B"-range grades, and about 15% get "C"-range scores. I give both "A+" and "F" grades every semester.

Problem sets not submitted or tests not taken will receive scores of zero. You are responsible for remembering the due dates and test times, so don't miss them!