8.01L :: Physics I

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department of Physics
Fall 2009

Announcements:

Announcements will be posted here.

RESETTING CLICKER CHANNEL

Some students have already discovered that it is possible to change (accidentally or on purpose) the channel number at which their clicker  transmits.  If this happens you will need to reset to channel 41, as  follows:

  1. Press and release the GO button;
  2. While the device is flashing red and green, press the two-digit channel number (we use 41);
  3. Press and release the GO buton
  4. Press and release the "1" button.

If the clicker indicator light blinks either GREEN or ORANGE when pressing this final "1", all is well.

If the clicker indicator light blinks RED, there is a problem, and the channel number should be set again.

>> If you haven't yet done so, you should buy the textbook and "clicker", Young and Freedman, University Physics Volume 1, 12th Edition (Note that the 12th edition is new this year) with Mastering Physics, and register for Mastering Physics. Instructions for accessing Mastering Physics are here. If you buy a used textbook, you will also need to order Mastering Physics online.

Several classes in physics and other departments use an interactive response system to ask students questions during class. Students enter their answers using an RF response card made by Turning Technologies. Each student will need to buy one of these "clickers", which will be available at the COOP near the textbook. These units can also be used in other courses at MIT, including 8.02, and the COOP will offer a buy-back program.

Once you have bought your clicker and know your recitation number, please enter the ID of your clicker here.

>> How do I find the 8.01L experiments? Where is 32-082?

8.01L - What is it? Who should take it?

• It is designed for students with less physics and/or calculus experience. For math fluency, the Math Diagnostic can serve as one guide. If you feel your previous physics course was weak or if it used little or no calculus, 8.01L may be the subject for you.
  
  
• The depth and sophistication of material will be the same as 8.01. You will not miss any of the 8.01 material, and because of the extra time, will very likely understand it better. Since 8.01L and 8.01 are considered equivalent, this course will be recorded on your transcript as “8.01”.
  
  
• 8.01L will continue into IAP and have its final exam in late January. We will cover the same material as 8.01, but because 8.01L is several weeks longer, the pace of the presentation of new physics material will be more relaxed. The extended time period should also reduce the end-of-term pressure, particularly during the final exam period. Previous year’s students had no trouble taking other IAP subjects in addition to 8.01L.
  
  
  IMPORTANT NOTE:
  
  
• Because the two courses are considered equivalent, students transferring from 8.01 to 8.01L later in the term will have their grades from 8.01 included in their 8.01L grade. Students who feel that 8.01L might be appropriate for them are strongly advised against starting in 8.01 and switching later in the term.
  
  
• For more information, see: http://web.mit.edu/8.01L/www