PHY 2054: Physics Without Calculus II – Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics (Study Guide)

Course Overview

PHY 2054 is the second course in a basic physics sequence for students not using calculus. The course covers electricity, magnetism, geometrical and wave optics, and the structure of matter. It is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and methods of classical physics, focusing on electromagnetic phenomena and the behavior of light.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

• Analyze physics problems to identify fundamental principles.

• Apply physical laws to formulate mathematical equations relating physical quantities.

• Solve mathematical equations to find values of physical quantities.

• Communicate principles and results clearly, especially in the context of electromagnetism and optics.

Students will also develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific communication, with a focus on the following:

• Understanding electric and magnetic fields

• Explaining electromagnetic waves and light

• Describing optical phenomena such as reflection, refraction, polarization, interference, and diffraction

Textbook and Materials

• Textbook: College Physics (11th Edition) by Hugh D. Young

• Homework Platform: Mastering Physics

Grading Scheme

The course grade is determined by attendance, homework, midterm exams, and a final exam. The grading scale is as follows:

Letter	Minimum %	Letter	Minimum %
A	89	B	74
A-	86	B-	70
B+	82	C+	65

Grade Components:

• Attendance: 3%

• Homework: 12%

• Midterm Exams: 42% (Three exams, 14% each)

• Final Exam: 25%

Major Topics and Schedule

The following topics are covered in the course, generally in the order listed below. Each topic is associated with a chapter from the textbook.

Date	Title	Chapter
8/26	Introduction and Electric charge and electric field	17
8/28	Electric charge and electric field	17
9/02	Electric charge and electric field	17
9/04	Electric potential and capacitance	18
9/09	Electric potential and capacitance	18
9/16	First Midterm	17, 18
9/18	Current, Resistance, and direct circuits	19
9/23	Current, Resistance, and direct circuits	19
9/25	Current, Resistance, and direct circuits	19
9/30	Magnetic field and magnetic forces	20
10/02	Magnetic field and magnetic forces	20
10/07	Electromagnetic induction	21
10/09	Electromagnetic induction	21
10/14	Electromagnetic induction	21
10/16	Second Midterm	17, 18, 19, 20, 21
10/21	Electromagnetic waves	23
10/23	Electromagnetic waves	23
10/28	Electromagnetic waves	23
10/30	Electromagnetic waves	23
11/06	Geometric Optics	24
11/13	Geometric Optics	24
11/18	Optical Instruments	25
11/20	Third Midterm	20, 21, 23, 24
11/25	Interference and diffraction	26
12/02	Interference and diffraction	26
12/04	Review for the Final	Cumulative

Key Physics Topics and Concepts

Electric Charge and Electric Field

Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that causes it to experience a force in an electric field. The electric field is a region around a charged object where other charges experience a force.

• Unit of charge: Coulomb (C)

• Like charges repel; unlike charges attract.

• Electric field (E): The force per unit charge at a point in space.

Formula:

$\vec{E} = \frac{\vec{F}}{q}$

where $\vec{F}$ is the force experienced by a test charge $q$.

Example: The electric field due to a point charge $Q$ at a distance $r$ is given by:

$E = \frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0} \frac{Q}{r^2}$

Electric Potential and Capacitance

Electric potential is the work done per unit charge in bringing a charge from infinity to a point in space. Capacitance is the ability of a system to store electric charge.

• Unit of potential: Volt (V)

• Unit of capacitance: Farad (F)

Formula for potential due to a point charge:

$V = \frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0} \frac{Q}{r}$

Formula for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor:

$C = \varepsilon_0 \frac{A}{d}$

where $A$ is the area of the plates and $d$ is the separation.

Current, Resistance, and Direct Circuits

Electric current is the flow of electric charge. Resistance is the opposition to the flow of current. Direct circuits involve current flowing in one direction.

• Unit of current: Ampere (A)

• Unit of resistance: Ohm (Ω)

Ohm's Law:

$V = IR$

where $V$ is voltage, $I$ is current, and $R$ is resistance.

Magnetic Field and Magnetic Forces

Magnetic fields are produced by moving electric charges (currents) and exert forces on other moving charges or magnetic materials.

• Unit of magnetic field: Tesla (T)

Force on a moving charge in a magnetic field:

$\vec{F} = q\vec{v} \times \vec{B}$

where $q$ is charge, $\vec{v}$ is velocity, and $\vec{B}$ is the magnetic field.

Electromagnetic Induction

Electromagnetic induction is the process by which a changing magnetic field induces an electric current in a conductor.

• Faraday's Law: The induced emf in a circuit is equal to the negative rate of change of magnetic flux through the circuit.

Formula:

$\mathcal{E} = -\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}$

where $\mathcal{E}$ is the induced emf and $\Phi_B$ is the magnetic flux.

Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic waves are oscillating electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space at the speed of light.

• Speed of light: $c = 3.00 \times 10^8$ m/s

• Examples: Light, radio waves, X-rays

Relationship between wavelength, frequency, and speed:

$c = \lambda f$

where $\lambda$ is wavelength and $f$ is frequency.

Geometric Optics

Geometric optics studies the behavior of light as rays, including reflection and refraction.

• Law of Reflection: Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection.

• Law of Refraction (Snell's Law): $n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2$

where $n$ is the index of refraction and $\theta$ is the angle with respect to the normal.

Optical Instruments

Optical instruments use lenses and mirrors to form images. Examples include microscopes, telescopes, and cameras.

• Magnification: The ratio of image size to object size.

Interference and Diffraction

Interference and diffraction are wave phenomena that occur when light waves overlap or bend around obstacles.

• Constructive interference: Waves add to make a brighter region.

• Destructive interference: Waves cancel to make a darker region.

Double-slit interference formula:

$d \sin \theta = m \lambda$

where $d$ is slit separation, $\theta$ is the angle, $m$ is the order number, and $\lambda$ is wavelength.

Course Policies and Expectations

• Attendance and participation are required.

• Homework is submitted via Mastering Physics; late submissions incur a 10% penalty per day.

• Group work must involve 4-5 students, with all members contributing.

• During exams, no electronic devices or personal formula sheets are allowed; a formula sheet will be provided.

• Bring a pen/pencil, ruler, eraser, and a basic scientific calculator to exams.

Additional info:

• This course is designed for students who are not required to use calculus in their physics studies.

• It fulfills a Natural Sciences requirement and emphasizes scientific reasoning and communication.