The third course in an three-quarter algebra-based sequence. A balance of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability is emphasized; laboratory and lecture are integrated in the sequence. In this third quarter the topics studied will include electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic induction and waves, quantum physics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. Biological applications of physics will be studied whenever possible.
Prerequisites
Completion of PHYS& 115 with 2.0 or higher.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
- Apply algebra and right-angle trigonometry to the solution of problems involving electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic induction and waves, quantum physics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics.
- Apply conceptual reasoning to analyze situations involving the material studied in this course.
- Present well-reasoned solutions of problems at a level appropriate for the course.
- Present experimental results in clearly written laboratory reports.
- Use technology such as calculators and computer spreadsheets to perform calculations, analyze data, and present data in graphical form at levels appropriate for the course.
- Electric Charge and Electric Field
Charges and forces
Coulomb’s law
The electric field
Applications of the electric field - Electric Potential
Electric potential energy and electric potential
Sources of electric potential
Conservation of energy
Calculation of electric potential
Capacitors, dielectrics, and electric field energy - Current and Resistance
Introduction to current
Batteries and EMF
Ohm’s law and resistors
Energy and power in circuits
Circuit elements and diagrams
Kirchhoff’s laws
Series and parallel circuits
Measuring voltage and current - Magnetic Fields and Forces
Magnetism and the magnetic field
Magnetic field of a current
Moving charges and currents in magnetic fields
Torques on dipoles - Electromagnetic Induction and Waves
Induced current
Motional emf
Magnetic flux and Faraday’s law
Induced fields and electromagnetic waves
Properties of electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic spectrum - Quantum Physics
X-rays and diffraction
The photoelectric effect and Einstein’s photon hypothesis
Matter waves
Quantization of energy
The uncertainty principle - Atoms and Molecules
Spectroscopy
The quantum-mechanical hydrogen atom
Multi-electron atoms
Excited states and spectra
Molecules
Lasers and other applications of quantum mechanics - Nuclear physics
Nuclear structure and stability
Forces and energy in nuclei
Radioactivity
Nuclear decay and half-lives
Medical applications
Quarks and leptons
EVALUATION METHODS/GRADING PROCEDURES:
Exams and Quizzes 50-60% Homework 20-30% Laboratory Reports 20%
PLANNED TEACHING METHODS/LEARNING STRATEGIES:
Lecture In-class active learning Small group work Laboratory observation, measurement, and Experimentation
PO5 should be assessed: Students will be able to solve problems by gathering, interpreting, combining and/or applying information from multiple sources.