Christian Brothers University
Physics 251 Departmental Syllabus
Physics II

Catalog Data A second course in physics covering electric forces, electric fields, voltage, capacitance, current, resistance, magnetic forces, magnetic fields, induction, oscillations, and waves.
Prerequisite: Physics 150. Corequisite: Physics 251L.
One semester; three credits. tr>
Textbooks Physics for Scientists & Engineers with Modern Physics, Serway & Beichner, Brooks/Cole - Thomson Publishing, 2000 (5th ed.)
[Textbook's Student Site]
Calculator Policy You may use a calculator on tests and assignments.
Prerequisites You should have the fundamental skills in college algebra, trigonometry, functions, problem solving, and calculus that were necessary in Physics 150. You should be familiar with Newton's laws of motion, Newton's theory of gravity, and the laws of conservation of energy and momentum.
Goals 1. To continue your familiarization with the scientific models that we use to describe Nature, particularly those models that deal with electricity, magnetism, and wave motion, so that you can:
(a) understand how our physical world works.
(b) use your understanding in future courses where you will increase your knowledge base.

2. To see how physical phenomena can be organized into a few qualitative and quantitative models.

3.To obtain a certain level of mastery in using these models to solve problems and predict outcomes of physical interactions.

4. To learn about certain applications of electrical, magnetic, and wave phenomena.

5. To learn about the relative sizes of the physical quantities that are used in the models. To learn what is a reasonable size for each of these quantities.

6. To increase your analytical reasoning skills and build your scientific vocabulary so that you can be an active member in today's technical world.

7. To increase your mathematical skill. To see how calculus can be used in our physical models.


Syllabus
Topic Chapters
Electric Force 23-24
  • Charge
  • Electric Force
  • Electric Field
  • Motion of Charged Particles in Electric Fields
  • Gauss' Law
Electric Potential 25-28
  • Potential
  • Electric Potential Energy
  • Capacitance & Capacitors
  • Current
  • Resistance & Resistors
  • DC Circuits
Magnetism 29-30
  • Magnetic Force
  • Magnetic Field
  • Motion of Charged Particles in Magnetic Fields
  • Current Loops & Motors
  • Sources of Magnetic Field
Electromagnetism 31-32
  • Induction
  • Maxwell's Equations
  • Inductance & Inductors
  • DC Circuits with Inductors
  • AC Circuits
Waves 16-18, 34
  • Wave Equation
  • Harmonic Waves
  • Sound Waves
  • Doppler Effect
  • Wave Interference
  • Electromagnetic Waves
Final Exam The final exam is comprehensive and prepared by the instructor.
Performance Evaluation Student performance is rated by a final letter grade which is determined by a combination of written homework, computer assisted homework, tests, and the final exam.
Resources The course instructor is available outside of the classroom a minimum of 10 hours per week for individual help.
Computer assisted homework problems are assigned which can be performed either in the Physics I laboratory, the IET center, or on any PC. The computer provides immediate feedback to the student as to whether an answer is correct or incorrect, and offers advice on how to attack a problem.
The Math Center offers free tutoring in algebra and calculus.
Attendance You must attend class regularly.
Coordinators Dr. Johnny Holmes, Professor of Physics
Br. John Monzyk, C.P., Assistant Professor of Physics
Dr. John Varriano, Associate Professor of Physics
Computer Usage There are presently 12 computer assisted homework problems that pertain to the material covered in Physics II. In addition, collected homework problems may involve the use of a computer for numerical analysis.
Estimated ABET Category Content Physics 100% or 3 Credits



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