Physics 197 Syllabus

Summer 2006


INSTRUCTOR:

Arlette Baljon, phone: 4-2051, email: abaljon (at) mail.sdsu.edu (note that at is typed out to avoid spam)

INFO:

This syllabus for last 3 weeks only (starting July 31).  Instructor for first 3 weeks will provide details on first half of class in which chapters 16,17,18,34,35,36 are covered.   

TEXT:

"Physics, for Scientists and Engineers", Serway and Beichner. We will cover chapters 37,38,39,40/41, and 44 in last 3 weeks.

CONTENT:

This class will cover three related subjects:

Waves: Traveling and standing mechanical waves; superposition and interference; reflection and transmission; speed and energy of waves; sound waves; musical instruments; resonance; Doppler effect; seismography; electromagnetic waves. (Chapters 16,17,18,34)

The nature of light and optics: Speed of light; reflection and refraction; prisms; geometric optics and images formed by mirrors; lenses; the eye, microscope, and the telescope; interference; diffraction and polarization. (Chapters 35,36,37,38)

Modern (20th century) physics: Special relativity; E=mc2; blackbody radiation and the need for quantum theory; Bohr’s quantum model for the atom; atomic spectra; uncertainty principle; particle properties of light and wave properties of particles; electron microscopy; nuclear structure; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; radioactivity; nuclear reactions. (Chapters 39,40,41,44,45)

LECTURES:

In lectures I will clarify the book, present demonstrations, and show examples of how the theory is applied in physics and related fields.  We will also solve several short problems.  Lectures are not intended to introduce the material, nor will they cover all that you need to know.  It is your responsibility to read the text PRIOR to the lectures.  At the end of each lecture I will announce what I intend to cover in the next session. 

PREREQUISITES:

Physics 196 and Math 151 (enforced).

        OFFICE HOURS:

9.15-10 MTWTh  (on Aug 16 from 1-3 instead)

HOMEWORK:

Homework will be assigned.  It will not be graded, but serve as practice for the exams.  Solutions will be posted.

EXAMS:

8/3 and 8/17.  Please bring one sheet with formula’s

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Comprehension of the subject content of the course (and ability to perform well in standardized tests requiring this knowledge).  This includes a thorough understanding of the concepts.  Learn the language, culture, technology, literature, and unique means of expression used in Physics.  This will either prepare you for upper-level course work in Physics or enable you to perform well as a professional, when working on interdisciplinary projects together with physicists. 

GRADES:

Average of 3 tests:. A 85%, A-  81%, B+  75%, B 71%, B- 67%, C+ 61%, C 57%, C- 53%, D+ 47%, D  43%, D- 39%, F below 39%.   

 

EXAM DATES:

 

 

August 3

 

Chapters 35,36,37

August 17

 

.Chapters 38,39,40/41,44

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOMEWORK DUE DATES:

 

 

 

HW 1

Chapter 16

 

HW 2

Chapter 17

 

HW 3

Chapter 18

 

HW 4

Chapter 34

 

HW 5

Chapter 35

 

HW 6

Chapter 36

August 2

HW 7

Chapter 37

August 8

HW 8

Chapter 38

August 10

HW 9

Chapter 39

August 15

HW 10

Chapters 40/41

August 16

HW 11

Chapter 44