Phys 212: Physics with Calculus
Text
Book: Fundamentals of Physics 6th ed. by Haliday, Resnick and Walker
Professor: Dr.
Mesgun Sebhatu, Sims 203. Office hrs: 10 - 10:50 MWF.
Available at other times by appointment
E-mail : sebhatum@winthrop.edu Tel:
Office=323- 4935
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 mostly thermodynamics and electromagnetism. 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 in the course without a good scientific calculator and the skill
needed to use it to solve problems.
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 201-202. 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.
You learn physics by doing problems and
not by memorizing formulas or facts. You will use the eGrade website
frequently to practice as well to submit homework that will
be graded.
(Please click on the eGrade link above and
register immediately)
Tentative Course
Outline and Test Schedule
The course is divided into four
convenient units. There will be a test on each unit. Study guides will be
posted for each unit.
Unit
I: Thermodynamics
|
Ch.
19. Temperature and Heat ,
the 0th and 1st Law of Thermodynamics, Thermal
Expansion and Means of Heat Transfer. |
Ch.
20. The Kinetic Theory of
Gases and the Equipartition of Energy Principle |
|
|
Ch.
21. Heat Engines. Entropy,
and the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics |
Check eGrade for
Homework |
Test 1: Friday, Feb 14 |
Unit II:
Electrostatics
|
|
|
|
|
Ch 22 & 23. Electric Charges and Electric Fields |
|
|
|
Ch
24. Gauss' Law |
|
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|
Ch.
25 Electric potential. |
|
Test 2: Friday, March 7 |
Unit
III: Electromagnetism I
|
Ch.
26. Capacitance |
Ch.
28. D.C. Circuits |
|
|
Ch.
27 Electric Current and
Resistance |
|
Test 3 III: Friday,April 4 |
Unit
IV: Electromagnetism II
|
Ch.
29 & 30. Magnetic Fields Ch.
31. Faraday's Law and
Induction |
Ch.
32. Maxwell's Equation |
|
|
Ch.
33 AC Circuits |
|
Test 4:Friday TBA |
A Comprehensive Final
Exam on unit I. to IV. See Final
Exam Schedule for date and time
Computation of Final Grades : The best three test grades will contribute 10 %
each (total from tests = 30%).In and outside class interactive activities* (
20%). The weekly lab grades will be averaged and contribute 25%. The
comprehensive final will contribute 25%.
30% (Tests) +20%( In and outside class
interactive 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".
* In and outside class interactive
activities: This course is setup
to take advantage of web and computer technology as well as interactive
learning activities in and outside class. The
book website
has a rich set of web based activities for each chapter, It has: Chapter
objectives, warm-ups, practice questions and exercises, physlet
problems, puzzles, etc. Each student will be required to do and
submit warm-up exercise as we begin each chapter ( warm-ups tell the
instructor what he should clarify in class lectures and discussions), as the
chapter ends each student will be required to complete and submit practice
questions and exercises as well solutions to puzzles for grading. In addition,
few selected end of chapter problems will be assigned from the book.Student
will be required to pre-read sections of chapters and e-mail questions and
concepts that they want addressed in class. Pop Quizzes may be given to
check if a student has read assigned sections. The lecture ours will be divided
into a few mini lectures that will focus on topics that students find
challenging. Students will participate in a class question and answer session.
At first you answer individually and then with consultation with your group or
neighbors. results Will be shown almost instantaneously in class.
Makeup Tests: If a student misses one monthly 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: 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. Class participation is a major requirement.
The course will use a Personal Response System that records the participation
of each student.