This course serves as a continuation of Fundamentals of Physics I (PHYS 200), providing an in-depth exploration of essential physics topics suited for students with a solid foundation in both physics and mathematics.
Course topics include:
The course is structured into modules focusing on theoretical concepts, mathematical formulations, and practical applications to reinforce learning. Students will engage with various principles, from Coulomb's law to Maxwell's equations, culminating with an introduction to quantum mechanics.
This module introduces the concept of electrostatics, beginning with the fundamental nature of electric charge and its interactions. Students will learn about:
Through detailed discussions and examples, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how electrostatic forces operate in various contexts.
This module delves into electric fields, introducing the concept as a fundamental aspect of electrostatic interactions. Key topics include:
Students will explore how electric fields are generated by charged objects and how they affect other charges placed within the field.
In this module, students will further explore electric fields, focusing on Gauss's Law. Key elements include:
This understanding will be crucial for analyzing more complex electrical systems and phenomena in future modules.
Continuing with Gauss's Law, this module discusses its applications to conductors and insulators. Key topics include:
This module is essential for understanding how electric fields behave in real-world materials.
This module introduces the concept of electric potential and its connection to energy conservation. Topics covered include:
Students will learn how the electric potential is related to electric fields and how energy is conserved in electric systems.
In this module, students will explore the principles of capacitors, focusing on their role in storing charge and energy. Key areas include:
This foundational knowledge is essential for understanding complex electrical circuits and energy storage systems.
This module discusses resistance in electrical circuits, detailing the forces acting on electric currents. Key topics include:
Students will learn how resistance impacts current flow and how to analyze circuits effectively.
This module introduces more complex electric circuits and the fundamental principles of magnetism. Key topics include:
Students will explore how electric fields interact with magnetic fields and the fundamental equations governing magnetostatics.
This module continues the discussion on magnetism, focusing on the Law of Biot-Savart and its applications. Key points include:
Students will learn how to apply these laws to practical problems in magnetism and electrical engineering.
This module further explores Ampere's Law, applying it to calculate magnetic fields in symmetric geometries. Key components include:
Students will gain insights into the principles that govern the interaction of electricity and magnetism.
This module investigates Lenz's and Faraday's Laws further, focusing on their implications and applications. Key areas include:
Students will understand how these laws demonstrate the interdependence of electric and magnetic phenomena.
This module focuses on LCR circuits with DC voltage, discussing the roles of inductors as energy storage devices. Key topics include:
Students will learn how inductance affects circuit dynamics and energy transfer.
This module transitions to LCR circuits with AC voltage, incorporating complex numbers to analyze circuit behavior. Key components include:
Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of circuits under alternating current.
This module delves into Maxwell's Equations and their significance in understanding electromagnetic waves. Key points include:
Students will learn how these equations form the foundation of classical electromagnetism and wave theory.
This module introduces the principles of ray optics, focusing on geometric optics as an approximation to wave theory. Topics include:
Students will learn how geometric optics provides practical insights into light behavior in various scenarios.
This module continues the study of ray optics, using ray diagrams to analyze light behavior with mirrors and lenses. Key areas include:
Students will learn how to apply ray diagrams to predict and analyze optical phenomena.
This module introduces the wave theory of light, emphasizing its wave properties through experiments. Key topics include:
Students will explore how wave theory challenges classical notions of light and provides a deeper understanding of optical phenomena.
This module introduces quantum mechanics, beginning with key experiments that challenge classical physics. Topics include:
Students will learn about the wave function, probability interpretation, and the uncertainty principle, marking the transition to quantum theory.
This module further examines quantum mechanics, focusing on the double slit experiment with electrons. Key topics include:
Students will deepen their understanding of quantum behavior and the duality of matter, building on previous concepts.
This module emphasizes the completeness of the wave function in describing a particle's properties. Key areas include:
Students will explore how measurement affects quantum systems and the significance of wave functions in quantum mechanics.
This module outlines measurement theory and states of definite energy in quantum mechanics. Key topics include:
Students will learn how differential equations govern quantum systems, enhancing their understanding of energy quantization.
This module revisits the particle in a box concept and introduces quantum tunneling. Key areas of focus include:
Students will explore the fascinating world of quantum mechanics, including tunneling effects that defy classical expectations.
This module introduces the time-dependent Schrödinger Equation, a fundamental concept in quantum dynamics. Key topics include:
Students will gain insights into predicting quantum behavior and understanding the dynamics of quantum systems.