Physics 21 Introductory Physics II [4]

 

Instructor: A. Peet Hickman
 

Current Catalog Description

A continuation of Physics 11. Electrostatics and magnetostatics; DC circuits, Maxwell's equations; waves, physical and geometric optics; introduction to modern  physics. Two lectures and two recitations per week.

 

Textbook

Young and Freedman, "University Physics", 12th Ed., Volume II, Pearson Addison-Wesley, San Francisco, CA 94111 (2008), Chapters 21 through 36.

 

Robert Folk, "Notes on Waves", 2003, Chapters 1 and 2

References  

None

 

Course Outcomes

Student will:

1. Become familiar with the basic principles of electromagnetism, waves, and optics
2. Learn how to apply them to a variety of practical problems in engineering and science.
3. Derive solutions for each application starting with the basic principles, rather than by just using equations from the book

Relationship between Course Outcomes and Program Outcomes

None

 

Prerequisites by Topic

1. Mechanic (Physics 11)

2. Thermodynamics (Physics 11)

3. Differential and integral calculus (Math 23, 32, or 52, previously or concurrently)

 

Major Topics Covered in the Course

 

1. Coulomb's law; electric field and potential due to discrete point charges and continuous charge distributions; Gauss's Law; Capacitance.
2. Electric current, resistance, and emf. Use of Kirchoff's laws to analyze DC circuits.
3. Magnetic force on current carrying wires. Use of the Biot-Savart law and Ampere's law to determine the magnetic field due to currents.
4. Definition and calculation of self and mutual inductance.
5. Faraday's law and its many applications.
6. Tranformers.
7. Magnetic materials and hysteresis.
8. Phase relationships in steady-state AC circuits using phasor/diagrams.
9. Displacement current and Maxwell's equations. Discussion of how electromagnetic waves are due to charges and currents.
10. Mechanical waves and the mathematics of waves. Relations between wavelength, frequency, and velocity of waves. Examples of transverse and longitudinal waves, beat frequencies, interference, and superposition.
11. Formation of images by lenses and mirrors, including systems of lenses and mirrors in telescopes, microscopes, fiber optics and other optical equipment. Ray diagrams. Analysis of how diffraction limits the resolution of optical instruments.
12. Description of polarization, interference and diffraction effects using the electromagnetic wave theory of light.
13. Comparison of discrete atomic line spectra and continuous spectra.
    

Assessment Plan for the Course

The coursework consists of 26 homework assignments, nine quizzes, two hour exams and a final exam. Each component involves the analysis of physical problems using differential and integral calculus as needed.