Fundamentals of Physics, II (PHYS 201) is designed for students with a solid background in physics and mathematics. This course serves as a continuation of Fundamentals of Physics, I (PHYS 200) and covers a range of topics:
Students will engage with concepts such as Coulomb's Law, electric fields, Gauss's Law, circuits, and the principles of quantum mechanics through detailed lectures and practical examples. The course materials are designed to provide a thorough understanding of the principles and methods of physics as they apply to real-world phenomena.
This module introduces the fundamental concepts of electrostatics, focusing on the nature of electric charge and the forces between charged objects. Key topics include:
The module aims to provide a solid foundation for understanding electric forces and their implications in various physical scenarios.
This module delves into electric fields, which act as the medium for electrostatic interactions. Students will explore:
Through various examples, the module illustrates how charged objects generate electric fields and how these fields influence other charges within them.
This module presents Gauss's Law, a fundamental principle linking electric fields and charge distributions. Key discussions include:
Students will apply Gauss's Law to solve electrostatic problems, solidifying their understanding of electric flux and charge density.
This module expands on Gauss's Law, focusing on its limitations and its applications in different geometries. Topics include:
By understanding how Gauss's Law applies to conductors and insulators, students will gain insights into the behavior of electric fields in different materials.
This module focuses on the electric potential and the law of conservation of energy. Key topics include:
The module emphasizes the mathematical underpinnings of energy conservation and its implications in electric fields.
This module introduces capacitors as devices for storing electric charge and energy. It covers:
Students will learn how capacitors operate in circuits and their role in storing energy for later use.
This module examines resistance in conductors and the fundamental principles of current flow. Topics include:
Students will analyze how electric currents behave in different materials and the factors affecting resistance.
This module introduces the concepts of circuits and basic principles of magnetism. Key areas of focus include:
Students will explore how electricity and magnetism interact, leading to practical applications in circuit design.
This module continues the discussion on magnetism, focusing on how electric currents generate magnetic fields. Topics include:
Students will understand the principles governing magnetism and its applications in various physical systems.
This module focuses on Ampere's Law and its application to symmetric geometries for magnetic fields. Key discussions include:
Students will learn how changing magnetic fields can induce electric fields, deepening their understanding of electromagnetism.
This module discusses Lenz's and Faraday's Laws, focusing on the electric effects of changing magnetic fields. Key topics include:
Students will explore how these principles apply to real-world systems, such as generators and transformers.
This module covers LCR circuits with DC voltages, emphasizing inductors as energy storage devices. Key points include:
Students will learn how LCR circuits operate and how inductors contribute to energy storage and transfer.
This module focuses on LCR circuits with AC voltages, introducing the mathematics behind their theory. Key topics include:
Students will explore the implications of AC currents on circuit behavior and how these principles are applied in real-world systems.
This module discusses Maxwell's Equations and their relation to electromagnetic waves. Key discussions include:
Students will gain insights into how these equations govern the behavior of electromagnetic phenomena and their implications in modern physics.
This module introduces geometrical optics, treating light as rays and exploring its behavior. Key topics include:
Students will learn how to analyze light behavior using ray diagrams and the underlying principles of optical systems.
This module continues the study of geometrical optics, examining light interactions with mirrors and lenses. Key discussions include:
Students will analyze the breakdown of geometric optics and its limitations, enhancing their understanding of optical principles.
This module introduces the wave theory of light, emphasizing its wave-like behavior through experiments. Key topics include:
Students will explore how wave theory reconciles with classical optics, providing a comprehensive view of light behavior.
This module delves into quantum mechanics, discussing key experiments that challenge classical physics. Topics include:
Students will grasp the core concepts of wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle, which redefine our understanding of matter.
This module continues the exploration of quantum mechanics, emphasizing the double slit experiment with electrons. Key discussions include:
Students will deepen their understanding of quantum behavior and the principles governing particle interactions.
This module explores the complete description of a particle's location and momentum through the wave function. Key topics include:
Students will learn how wave functions model quantum behavior and the significance of measurement in quantum states.
This module introduces measurement theory in quantum mechanics, focusing on states of definite energy. Key discussions include:
Students will explore the mathematical framework of quantum mechanics and how it applies to physical systems.
This module revisits critical concepts in quantum mechanics, particularly the particle in a box and scattering problems. Key topics include:
Students will engage with quantum wonders that challenge classical intuitions and explore the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics.
This module introduces the time-dependent Schrödinger Equation, a cornerstone of quantum dynamics. Key discussions include:
Students will learn how quantum mechanics describes dynamic systems over time, enhancing their comprehension of quantum behavior.