Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Official General Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]

PHY 162 - Physics II: Wave Motion, Electromagnetism, and Atomic Physics


This is the second course of an algebra-based sequence in physics.  Your study of sound and light will reveal them as examples of waves, and will include study of optical instruments.  Electricity and magnetism introduces you to the basic properties of charges and currents, producing electric fields and magnetic fields.  You will progress to understand electric energy as one essential component of our standard of living.  Some selected topics in modern physics are also covered, including the study of atoms and their nuclei.  Laboratory experiences will provide you with problem solving techniques, measurement skills and applications of theory.

Prerequisite- Corequisite
Prerequisite:  PHY 161 Physics I:  Mechanics and Heat

 

Credits: 4
Hours
3 Class Hours, 3 Laboratory Hours
Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Carry out particular experimental tests of various theories considered, including calculating from measurements, stating results, and describing patterns of proportionality.
2.  Make and record measurements of various physical quantities with appropriate instruments to the limit of accuracy of the instruments.
3.  Express the results of measurements and calculations with correct units and with an appropriate number of significant digits.
4.  Solve problems involving the simple harmonic motion of an object.
5.  Define the parameters frequency, speed, wavelength, amplitude, and period characteristic of a continuous wave, and reason quantitatively from the relationships among them.
6.  Solve problems involving standing-wave resonance.
7.  Solve problems involving the reflection, refraction, and dispersion of waves.
8.  Use the principles of geometrical optics to solve problems involving mirrors, lenses, and various optical instruments.
9.  Describe the phenomena of interference, diffraction, and polarization.
10.  Solve problems involving wave intensity and the Doppler effect.
11.  Apply concepts in electrostatics to display understanding of the electric nature of matter and the interactions between charged particles and charged objects mediated by electric fields and by electric potentials.
12.  Solve problems involving the flow of electrical charge and the transfer of electric energy in single-loop and in multi-loop circuits.
13.  Account for the creation of magnetic fields by currents with simple shapes, and the effects of magnetic fields on moving charges.
14.  Account for the operation of electromagnetic devices such as meters, motors, generators, and transformers.
15.  Use basic concepts of relativity to solve problems involving high-speed motion.
16.  Use the idea of a photon to exhibit understanding of the photoelectric effect and the Compton effect.
17.  Use the wave-particle duality to describe the motion of small-mass particles, and also of photons.
18.  Describe the structure of an atom according to ideas of Rutherford and Bohr.  Account for the bright-line spectra of atoms.
19.  Enumerate the particles making up the nuclei of atoms, and qualitatively describe the forces of interaction among them.
20.  Describe the processes of radioactive decay, and solve problems with the idea of radioactive half-life.
21.  Describe the processes of nuclear fission and fusion.
22.  Reason about nuclear reactions written as equations; do calculations of energy released.