# Introductory Physics (PHYS 2425)

This repository contains the **JupyterBook lecture notes and computational exercises** for **PHYS 2425: University Physics I** at [East Texas A&M University](https://www.etamu.edu/physics/).

The book is designed as a **structured, interactive companion** to the course rather than a traditional textbook. It blends:

- Conceptual explanations and worked examples
- Dimensional analysis and unit reasoning
- Python-based verification and computation
- In-class group problems and homework scaffolding

The primary conceptual framework is based on [OpenStax: *University Physics Volume 1*](https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/preface), but the presentation, examples, and exercises have been **substantially reorganized and rewritten** to emphasize:
- physical modeling,
- careful treatment of units and dimensions,
- and reproducible computational workflows.

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## How to Use This Book

### For students
- Read sections **before or after lecture** to reinforce core ideas.
- Work through examples line by line; most include **Python verification cells**.
- Use the notebooks as a reference when preparing homework and exams.
- Import notebooks into tools such as [NotebookLM](https://notebooklm.google.com/) or Jupyter to create personalized study guides.

The structure of the notebooks is intentionally designed so students can export worked solutions into AI-assisted tools to generate summaries, practice problems, and study guides.

### For instructors
- The material is modular and can be adapted for:
  - traditional lecture courses,
  - studio or hybrid formats,
  - or computationally enhanced physics sequences.
- Exercises are written in a consistent **Model → Math → Conclusion → Verification** structure that can be reused or reassigned.

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## Computational Tools

Python is used throughout the book as a **verification and exploration tool**, not as a replacement for analytical reasoning.  
Common libraries include:
- `numpy`
- `scipy.constants`
- `matplotlib`

On exams, students are provided with **lookup tables**, not code. The goal is conceptual understanding first, computation second.

Calculus is introduced only as needed and always in context. When derivatives or integrals appear, the focus is on physical meaning rather than formal proof. Students taking Calculus I concurrently are not expected to have mastered all techniques in advance.

---

## License

This work is licensed under a **Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)**.

You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material  

provided that appropriate credit is given.

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