PHYS 212 Physics With Calculus II Spring 2002

<Text Book> : Physics for Scientists and Engineers by D. C. Giancoli 3rd ed., 2000

Professor: <Dr. Mesgun Sebhatu>, Sims 203. Office hrs:10 - 10:50 MWF. At other times by appointment

E-mail: mailto:sebhatum@winthrop.edu Tel: Office=323-4935; Home=324-1254

Brief description of the course and some advice: The PHYS 211--212 sequence covers the major branches of classical physics: PHYS 211 deals with mostly mechanics, and wave motion while PHYS 212 covers thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. The course emphasizes understanding of fundamental physics concepts and principles as well as the development of conceptual and analytical problem solving skills by using physics concepts, principles and mathematics in the solution of various interesting and challenging real world problems. This course should also help you review and master your algebra, trigonometry, and enable you to appreciate your calculus by putting it to work in physics. In this course, rote memorization is discouraged. Formulas and constants will be provided during test periods. Use of calculators is encouraged. In fact, it would be difficult to survive the course without a good scientific calculator and the skill needed to use it to solve problems. It is always to use a calculator that you are familiar with.

PHYS 211--212 is primarily intended for: chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics students. However, some outstanding life science students elect to take this course instead of PHYS 201. PHYS 211 is the first semester of a one year general physics (PHYS 211--212) course that utilizes calculus. MATH 201 -- a one semester calculus -- is a prerequisite for this course.

The major objective of PHYS 211-212 is to provide an opportunity for the appreciation and learning of fundamental principles and concepts of physics and for developing conceptual and analytical problem solving skills that are indispensable for any future scientist or engineer.

Tentative Course Outline and Test Schedule

The course is divided into four monthly units. Detailed study guides will be available for each unit prior to each test.

Unit I: Thermodynamics

Ch 17. Temperature , the 0^th Law of Thermodynamics, Thermal Exapnsion and ideal gas.


Ch 18. The Kinetic Theory of Gases and the Equipartition of Energy Principle	Study Guide I; HW I
Ch 19. Heat and the 1^st Law of Thermodynamics	Ch. 20. Heat Engines. Entropy, and the 2^nd Law of Thermodynamics	Test 1 Friday, Feb 1

Unit II:Electrostatics

Ch 21. ElectricCharges and Electric Fields


Ch 22.Gauss' Law	Study Guide I; Homewok II
Ch 23 Electric potential	Ch. 24. Capacitance	Test on unit II: March 1

Unit III: Electromagnetism I

Ch 25. ElectricCurrent and Resistance


Ch 26. D.C. Circuits	Study Guide I; Homework III
Ch. 27 & 28. Magnetism	Ch. 29. Faraday's Law	Test 3 on unit III: April 5

Unit IV: Electromagnetism II

Ch 27. Current and Resistance


Ch 29. & Ch 30. Magnetic Fields	Study Guide I; Homework IV
Ch 28. D.C. Circuits	Ch. 31. Faraday's Law	Test 4 on unit IV: April 19

A Comprehensive Final Exam on unit I. to IV. Wednesday, May 24, 11:30AM--1:30PM

Computation of Final Grades : The best three test grades will contribute 12 % each (total from tests = 36%). Homework grades will contribute 8%. The weekly lab grades will be averaged and contribute 25%. The comprehensive final will contribute 25%.

35% (Tests) +15% (Homework and Interactive Learning Activities) + 25% (Lab) + 25%(final) = 100 %

Even though class grade distribution may affect the assignment of the letter grades, usually

above 90% is an "A", 80% - 89% is a "B", 70% - 79% is a "C", 60% - 69% is a "D", and below 60% is an "F".

Makeup Tests: If a student misses one test, he obtains a "0" for it and loses the opportunity to have his worst test score dropped. It will be dangerous to miss more than one test. There are no provisions for makeup tests under normal circumstances.

Class Attendance Policy: It is very important that a student attend all lectures. The textbook is used as a basis for the course. The material in the book will be covered selectively and outside material will be added as needed and a variety of AV materials and demonstrations will be used to liven the class. A student who misses PHYS 212 classes will be a t a serious disadvantage. The attendance policy followed in this course is the same as that which appears in the current Winthrop University Catalog. Briefly, "If a student's absences in a course total 25% or more of the class meetings for the course, the student will receive a grade of N, F, or U, which ever is appropriate." Please read your catalog for details. The professor will determine when taking attendance is appropriate. If all the members of the class are present, there is no need to take attendance. Students who leave early or come excessively late for reasons that are not clear to the instructor may be marked absent.