PHY 142.001: Introductory Physics II- Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics, Spring 2009

(Prerequisite: Phy 141 or equivalent, Co-requisite Phy142L)

Text: Physics, 3rd ed., James S. Walker,  ISBN 0-13-153631-1

Instructor:  Dr. Randall D. Peters, Office SEB 206

Phone 301-2747, e-mail: peters_rd@mercer.edu

Webpage:  http://physics.mercer.edu/hpage/peters.html

Office Hours:  MWF 8:15-8:45, T 8:15-8:45, or by appointment

Lecture:  MWF 9:00-9:50, Science and Engineering Building Auditorium (SEB 110)

Tarver reference librarian for Physics, "Geoffrey P. Timms" <TIMMS_GP@Mercer.edu>

Schedule (university general):  Holidays or no classes -- Martin Luther King, Jr., 19 January, spring break, 9-13 March, Good Friday, 10 April

Last class day, 1 May

Final Exam -- Monday, 4 May, 9-12

General:

This course is the second of the two-semester Introductory Physics sequence.  It is an algebra-based course whose main themes are waves (including sound) and electricity & magnetism. It is imperative that you master the mathematics used in the sample problems of the text. Since math is the primary 'language' of physics, this aspect of the course will have a significant influence on your final grade. Successful completion of this course will enable you to understand the basic concepts and associated problems involving:  

sound, light, electric & magnetic fields--their connection to practical electrical (electronic) devices, and a brief introduction to quantum physics.

Class attendance is not mandatory.  Be warned, however, that the instructor's four-decade teaching career shows a clear correlation between reduced grades or failure and  either (i) absences (independent of missed quizzes) and /or (ii) the choice to NOT attempt and turn in homework..

Grades:

100-A-90, 89-B-80, 79-C-70, 69-D-60

Weightings for Final class grade:

Average of 3 Tests (69%)

In-class Quizzes and homework (8%)

(5-10 minute pop quizzes are possible, especially in response to poor class attendance.  No makeup of quizzes is possible.)

Final Exam (23%)  It will be comprehensive.  ( Monday, 4 May, 9-12 )

About Tests: A make-up test will only be given to students with valid excuses as defined by the university handbook (illness, emergency, class trips with prior notification). Any disputes concerning a test grade must be resolved within one week from the time the tests are returned to the class.  Partial credit will be awarded for problems. The amount of credit will be at the discretion of the instructor. You will be allowed to bring in one 8.5”x11’’ single-side sheet of equations or numerical constants that you might find helpful. Worked out examples and definitions are not permitted.

Homework: Assigned problems will be collected but not carefully graded until the end of the term, in the event that homework stands to alter a student's grade.  History shows that practice in problem solving is essential to success in physics. Moreover, the probability of a full-letter-reduction in final grade for not submitting homework has been a common reality. All work for which a grade is received must be the original work of the student, without aid or assistance of another party, or any printed and or electronic data/information. Failure to follow these policies could result in a grade of “F” for the course, since the College's academic misconduct policy will be followed.  Before submitting your homework, make a copy for yourself (to assist study for tests).

Honor Code: You are bound by the Mercer honor code.  All work for which a grade is received, must be the original work of the student without aid or assistance of another party, or any printed and or electronic data/information.  Academic misconduct cases will be referred to the honor council, and the student will automatically receive a grade of incomplete (IC) pending a ruling by the honor council.

Material To Be Covered (Tentative)

Ch. 14 Waves and Sound

Ch. 14 & 28 Superposition and Interference

Ch. 28 Physical Optics, Light as waves

************************  Test 1 ***********************

Ch. 19 Electric Charges, Forces & Fields

Ch. 20 Electric Potential and Potential Energy

Ch. 21 Electric Direct Current ( D.C.)

************************  Test 2 ************************

Ch. 22 Magnetism

Ch. 23 Magnetic Flux and Faraday's Law

Ch. 24 Alternating Current ( A.C. )

Ch. 25 Electromagnetic Waves

**********************  Test 3  *************************

Ch. 30 Quantum Physics

Ch. 31 Atomic Physics

Ch. 32 Nuclear Physics

Material coverage of none of the chapters will be exhaustive, this being especially true for 30, 31, & 32. You will need to attend class to find out what has been omitted!  Material of Ch's 30-32 will be included on the

final exam, which will be comprehensive.

Class Etiquette: You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner that is respectful of your fellow classmates and the instructor.  Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the class.

Cell phones and Pagers: Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering any classroom, lab, or formal academic or performance event.

Documented Disability Statement: Students with a documented disability should inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting. The instructor will refer you to the
office of Student Support Services (SSS) for consultation regarding evaluation, documentation of your disability, and recommendations for accommodation, if needed. Students
will receive from SSS the Faculty Accommodation Form. On this form SSS will identify reasonable accommodations for this class. The form must be given to the course
instructor for signature and then returned to SSS. To take full advantage of disability services it is recommended that students contact SSS
immediately. The office is located on the third floor of the Connell Student Center.