PHYS 20A - Algebra/Trigonometry College Physics I

    Recent Professors
    K. Osorno
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026
    Class Size
    24 students
    Difficulty
    5.1Moderateout of 10
    Credits
    4
    Prerequisite
    Completion with a C or better in: PHYS 5. Placement Level: Eligibility for MATH 61 or higher level math as determined by the Chaffey College placement process. Other: In place of the PHYS 5 prerequisite, one year of high school physics is acceptable
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of PHYS 20A
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 5C · Cal-GETC Area 5A · IGETC Area 5A · IGETC Area 5C · CSU GE Area B3 · CSU GE Area B1
    Description
    Course is designed for students majoring in a life or medical science, or engineering technology, whose university major does not require calculus-based physics. Position, velocity, and acceleration of objects are described using vectors. The concepts of mass, force, Newton’s Laws of Motion, momentum, impulse, work, energy, and power are used to describe straight-line motion, projectile motion, circular motion, collisions, explosions, and vibration. Rotational motion includes torque, moment of inertia, angular momentum, and static equilibrium. Simple harmonic motion, wave mechanics, and fluid mechanics are also covered.