Course Outline for Physics 3B
College Physics B

Effective: Fall 2014
SLO Rev: 02/01/2017
Catalog Description:

PHYS 3B - College Physics B

4.00 Units

Introduction to the major principles of ELECTROMAGNETISM AND MODERN PHYSICS using calculus for students studying life sciences and architecture. Includes Electrostatics, Electro-circuits, electromagnetic waves, optics, relativity , atomic and nuclear physics and the social responsibility of the scientist and architect .
Prerequisite: MTH 16 or MTH 2 and PHYS 3A or PHYS 4A.
1902.00 - Physics, General
Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Laboratory 1.00 54.00 0.00 54.00
Total 4.00 108.00 108.00 216.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. analyze and solve a variety of problems in topics such as:
    a. electromagnetism;
    b. circuits (dc and ac);
    c. Electromagnetic waves;
    d. optics;
    e. modern physics;
  2. operate standard laboratory equipment;
  3. analyze laboratory data;
  4. write comprehensive laboratory reports.
Course Content:
 
  1. Electrostatics
    1. Coulombs law
    2.  Electric potential and potential energy
    3.  Capacitors
  2. Current and resistance
    1. OHM's law
    2. Resistivity
    3. Resistors in series and parallel
    4. RC circuits
  3. Electromagnetism
    1. Magnetic field
    2. Force in a magnetic field, force on a current segment
    3. Current loops
    4. Sources of magnetic fields
    5. Magnets and poles, earth's magnetism
    6. Induced electromotive force
    7. Electromagnetic radiation
  4. Applied electricity
    1.  Meters, motors and generators
    2. Back emf, eddy currents
    3. Transformers, impedance in coil and capacitor
    4. Thermoelectricity
    5. Electromagnetic waves
  5. Geometrical optics
    1. Huygens' principle, refraction and reflection
    2. Total reflection
    3.  Ray tracing, thin lenses and mirrors
  6. Wave optics
    1. Corpuscular theory of light
    2. Interference, the grating
    3. Diffraction by a single slit
    4. Applications of interference, Michelson's interferometer
    5. Polarization
    6. Double refraction and optical activity
  7. Applied optics
    1. Camera
    2. Human eye, physiology
    3. Magnifier, microscope, telescope
    4. Spectroscope
    5. Description of laser and its applications
  8. Modern Physics
    1. Viewpoint of the classical physicist
    2. Michelson-Morley experiment
    3. Discoveries at the close of the nineteenth century
    4. Einstein and special relativity
  9. The outer atom
    1. Charge of the electron, electron mass
    2. The photoelectric effect
    3. Emission and absorption spectra
    4. X-rays, the Compton effect
    5. Duality of light and matter
    6. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle
  10. Atomic physics
    1. Bohr theory
    2. Debroglie waves
    3. Quantum mechanics
  11.  The nucleus
    1. Nature of radioactivity, discoveries
    2.  Nuclear atom
    3. Nuclides, stable and unstable, natural and artificial
    4. Experimental techniques, transmutations
  12. Applied nuclear physics
    1. Uses of radioactivity
    2. Particle accelerators
    3. Fission and fusion
    4. High-energy physics, cosmic rays
  13. The role of politics and ethics  in science
 
Laboratory Content

1.   Laboratory experiments, simulations, and activities exploring the lecture content that may include the following concepts:

       A.  Currents and Ohm's Law
       B.  DC circuits (Parallel and Series Circuits, RC Circuits)
       C.  The magnetic force and field (Earth's magnetic field)
       D.  Ampere's Law
       E.  Electromagnetic induction (Motors and Generators)
       F.  Alternating current circuits (RLC circuits)
       G.  Maxwell's Equations and EM Radiation
       H.  Light & Radio waves (Speed of light, Microwaves)
       I.  Reflection & refraction (Basic Optics of lenses and mirrors,  Telescopes, Microscopes)
       J.  Interference
       K.  Diffraction
       L.  Polarization
       M. Atomic physics (Emissions and absorption spectra)
2. Experimental Technique, Manual and Computerized Collection and Analysis of Data, Error Analysis.

 

Methods of Instruction:
  1. Demonstration/Exercise
  2. Presentation of audio-visual materials
  3. Laboratory exercises
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Textbook reading assignments
  6. Group Activities
  7. Simulations
  8. Lectures
  9. Case Study
  10. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. BELOW IS A SAMPLING OF TWO PROBLEMS FROM OUR SLO ASSESSMENT SHEET. THE FULL EXAMINATION IS IN THE "ATTACHED FILES" SECTION OF THE PROPOSAL IN A FILE NAMED "Assignments from slo file". (i) A wire, circular loop of radius r = 1.0 m exists in a region where a uniform magnetic field is perpendicular to the plane of the loop shown below. The magnetic field vector points in. The magnitude of the magnetic field is allowed to vary in time t according to the equation below. This problem involves calculus and evaluating derivatives of functions at a given time like the magnetic field B given by: B = Bo*(1 + t^2/a^2), for t > 0 seconds. . a = 1.0 s and Bo = 0.35 T. (a) What is the direction of the induced current in the loop , clockwise or counter-clockwise for ? Please indicate this direction by drawing a curved arrow on the loop. (b ) What is the magnitude of the induced electromotive force in the loop at t = 2.0 seconds? HINT: Evaluate the derivative of the magnetic flux through the loop. (ii} A futuristic spaceship flies past Earth with a speed of 0.70c relative to the surface of our planet. Inside the spaceship, a pendulum is swinging. Each swing takes 1.62 seconds as measured by an astronaut performing an experiment inside the spaceship. (a) How long will each swing take as measured by a technician at mission control on Earth watching that experiment? (b) Suppose a person on the spaceship measures a bench on the ship and finds the length to be Lp = 3.0 m along the direction of motion. What would be the length of the bench to a technician at mission control on Earth ?
  2. Laboratory Assignment: Using a metal Slinky™, and Vernier™,Magnetic Field Sensor, determine the relationship between the magnetic field and the current in a solenoid, and the relationship between the magnetic field and the number of turns per meter in a solenoid. Study how the field varies inside and outside the solenoid. Determine the value of µo, the permeability constant.
  3. Research an application of physics related to a technical topic from the class, and write a 5+ page paper, including at least 5 current outside references. Typically , a paper might discuss cell phone safety and the impact of non-ionizing radiation.
  4. Research an application of physics in current events related to a topic involving political or social debate or the politics in science and write a 5+ page paper, including at least 5 current outside references. Example: Nuclear power: it it manageable or should we essentially junk it?
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Group Projects
  3. Homework
  4. Quizzes
  5. Final Examination
  6. Critical thinking exercises
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. 70% of students will be able to operate standard laboratory equipment
  2. 70% of students will be able to analyze laboratory data
  3. 70% of students will be able to write comprehensive laboratory reports
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Richard Wolfson, Middlebury College (2012). Essential University Physics: Volume 2, 2/E (2). Pearson.
  1. Wilson, Jerry & Hernandez-Hall, Cecilia. Physics Laboratory Experiments 7th ed. Brooks/Cole, .
  1. web link to textbook: http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/Essential-University-Physics-Plus-MasteringPhysics-with-eText-Access-Card-Package/9780321714381.page.
  • Computer Learning System: Masteringphysics by Pearson
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Introduction to the major principles of ELECTROMAGNETISM AND MODERN PHYSICS using calculus for students studying life sciences and architecture. Includes Electrostatics, Electro-circuits, electromagnetic waves, optics, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics and the social responsibility of the scientist and architect.
Prerequisite: MTH 16 or MTH 2 and PHYS 3A or PHYS 4A.
Discipline:
Physics/Astronomy*