PH212L (Fundamentals of Physics II) Fall 2004

Course Description

Here is the Lecture Schedule, where you will find the topics discussed, on which days.

Fundamentals of Physics II is the second of the three-part introductory physics series, intended for scientists, 3/2 engineers, and pre-health-sciences students. The material covers a broad range of important topics, all of which use the abilities for physical analysis and mathematical abstraction that you already possess. Replacing the direct thread of development of the theory, in Fundamentals I, Physics 212L has more of a thinking-like-a-physicist sensibility, brought to bear on topics ranging from material science, to oscillatory motion, to wave physics, to heat and thermodynamics, to simple electric circuits. You'll find that the material has applicability across the sciences.

Textbook and Other Tools

Hecht Physics: Calculus (2nd ed.) (volume 1) is our text. Toward the end we will use other sources, which I'll distribute.we may go a bit beyond the text. Calculus II (MA112) is expected at least concurrently, if not already taken. I remind you of the useful reserve sources for us, in the Physics/Chemistry library: Fundamentals of Physics, by Halliday/Resnick/Walker, is a classic; Physics, by Tipler, is very clear and recommended; Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Giancoli, is nice too; in addition look at the two "outline" references, Schaum's Beginning Physics and the Harcourt/Brace/Jovanovich College Physics.

Topics to Be Covered

MATERIALS AND FLUIDS (Chapter 9): the physics of soft stuff

OSCILLATIONS (Chapter 10): a particularly important kind of motion

WAVES (Chapter 11): collections of oscillators (a "medium") generate new phenomena

THERMAL PROPERTIES OF MATTER (Chapters 12 and 13): how solids and gases respond to heat

THERMODYNAMICS (Chapter 14): the physics of heat and work

BASIC ELECTRICITY (supplemental): voltage, current, resistance, and simple circuits

Basis of Grading

Homework/Class Participation: (20%) Here is the regularly updated Homework Assignment Page. Volunteerism at the board is strongly encouraged as are questions at any moment during class! Please do the homework with enthusiasm and diligence - your exam scores benefit.

Laboratory: (20%) In addition to short "tearoff sheets" accompanying most labs, you will need to prepare two (2) formal lab reports at some point during the semester. You may miss any one lab during the semester.

Exams: We will have three exams (low score dropped: 2x15% = 30%), and a final exam (30%).