Course Overview

This course, General Physics (PHYSIC 040C), is designed for engineering and physical science majors and covers the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and an introduction to quantum physics. The curriculum follows a calculus-based approach, emphasizing both conceptual understanding and quantitative problem-solving skills.

Course Topics and Schedule

The following table outlines the main topics covered in the course, mapped to the corresponding textbook chapters. This structure provides a logical progression from classical electromagnetism to foundational quantum concepts.

Key Topics and Concepts

Electric Charge and Force

• Electric Charge: Fundamental property of matter, comes in two types: positive and negative.

• Coulomb's Law: The force between two point charges is given by where is Coulomb's constant, and are the charges, and is the distance between them.

• Superposition Principle: The net force on a charge is the vector sum of the forces exerted by all other charges.

• Example: Calculating the force between two electrons separated by 1 nm.

Electric Fields and Gauss' Law

• Electric Field (E): The region around a charged object where other charges experience a force. Defined as

• Gauss' Law: The net electric flux through a closed surface is proportional to the enclosed charge:

• Applications: Calculating fields for symmetric charge distributions (spheres, cylinders, planes).

Electric Potential

• Electric Potential (V): The work done per unit charge in bringing a test charge from infinity to a point in space:

• Relationship to Field:

• Example: Potential due to a point charge:

Current, Resistance, and Circuits

• Electric Current (I): The rate of flow of charge:

• Ohm's Law:

• Kirchhoff’s Laws:

  • Junction Rule: Sum of currents entering a junction equals sum leaving.

  • Loop Rule: Sum of potential differences around a closed loop is zero.

• Capacitors: Store electric energy;

• Equivalent Circuits: Series and parallel combinations of resistors and capacitors.

Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction

• Magnetic Field (B): Exerts force on moving charges:

• Ampère’s Law:

• Faraday’s Law of Induction: , where is the magnetic flux.

• Inductors: Devices that store energy in magnetic fields;

Electromagnetic Fields and Waves

• Maxwell’s Equations: Unify electricity and magnetism, predict electromagnetic waves.

• Electromagnetic Waves: Oscillating electric and magnetic fields that propagate at the speed of light.

Introduction to Quantum Physics

• Photons: Quantum particles of light, energy given by

• Matter Waves: Particles exhibit wave-like properties, described by de Broglie wavelength

• Atomic Energy Levels: Electrons occupy discrete energy states in atoms.

• Radioactivity: Spontaneous decay of unstable nuclei, releasing energy and particles.

Course Structure and Assessment

• Lectures: Twice weekly, covering theoretical concepts and problem-solving.

• Discussion Sections: Weekly, group problem-solving and participation-based grading.

• Laboratory: Weekly, hands-on experiments and a final Lab Skills Assessment.

• Homework: Weekly assignments via Mastering Physics; lowest score dropped.

• Poll Everywhere: In-class participation and correctness questions; three lowest days dropped.

• Exams: Two midterms (lowest dropped) and a comprehensive final exam.

Grading Breakdown

Letter Grade Scale

Additional Information

• Textbook: Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (5th Edition) by Randall Knight.

• Academic Integrity: Strict adherence to university policy is required.

• Tutoring: Free tutoring available at the Academic Resource Center (ARC).

• Faculty and TA Contact: Office hours and emails provided for instructor and teaching assistants.

Note: This syllabus provides a roadmap for the course. For detailed study, refer to the corresponding textbook chapters and lecture materials.