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This course teaches fundamental principles of physics. It covers mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, electricity , optics, magnetism, and selected topics in modern physics. |
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The main objective of this course is to learn the principles of physics, including
electricity, magnetism, optics, and wave physics.
Specifically, you will learn to
* calculate electric forces and electric fields from charges.
* calculate electric potential from charge distributions or from the electric field.
* calculate capacitance and resistance of arrangements of conducting materials.
* use Kirchoff’s Laws to find characteristics of dc circuits.
* calculate magnetic forces and magnetic fields.
* understand magnetic induction and to use Lenz’s and Faraday’s Laws.
* calculate characteristics of ac circuits.
* understand the nature of electromagnetic waves and light, as described by Maxwell’s Equations.
*understand phenomena and laws of geometric and wave optics, such as reflection, refraction, polarization, interference and diffraction
* calculate effects in geometric and wave optics, including interaction of light with optical elements such as lenses, mirrors, diffraction gratings.
* describe traveling and standing wave patterns of mechanical waves, understand and calculate sound effects such as intensity, loudness, pitch, beats, Doppler effect.
In the laboratory you will learn to:
* take accurate measurements with confidence and understand the uncertainties
associated with them and uncertainty propagation, calculate percent error and percent difference
* use computer-assisted laboratory methods, based on ScienceWorkshop interface
* analyze data using graphical and computer-based techniques.
* spread-sheet style analysis of data and computer plots
* analyze data to induce scientific conclusions
* write meaningful conclusions based on observations, calculations, and
data analysis
* learn to collaborate with others as a team to produce collective results
* construct simple circuits with resistors, capacitors, and inductors, using a breadboard |
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Your course grade will be determined according to the following percentages.
Assignment |
Percentage of Grade |
4 Exams |
(15%each) 60% |
7 Video Analysis Lab Reports |
20% |
Homework |
20% |
No exam, lab, or homework grades will be dropped.
Your final grade will be based on the following scale.
Grade |
Percent |
A |
90-100 |
B |
80-89 |
C |
70-79 |
D |
60-69 |
F |
0-59 |
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