| Catalog Data |
A third course in physics covering geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, quantum theory, waves
and particles, atomic physics, special relativity, radioactivity, and nuclear physics.
Prerequisite: Physics 251. One semester; three credits. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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, the laws of conservation of energy and momentum, electric and magnetic forces and fields, and wave motion. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goals | 1. To continue your familiarization with the scientific models that we use to describe Nature, particularly those models that deal with light, atomic particles, high speed particles, and nuclear
decay,
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 optical, quantum, and nuclear 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 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 11 computer assisted homework problems that pertain to the material covered in Physics III. In addition, collected homework problems may involve the use of a computer for numerical analysis. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated ABET Category Content | Physics 100% or 3 Credits |