Physics II with Calculus: Syllabus and Weekly Topic Guide

Physics II: Course Syllabus and Weekly Topic Overview

Course Description

This course is a continuation of Physics I, focusing on advanced topics in physics including electrostatics, circuits, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics (relativity, quantum, and nuclear physics). The course integrates both conceptual understanding and mathematical analysis, supported by laboratory experiments.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply fundamental physical principles in electromagnetism, optics, relativity, and quantum mechanics.

• Distinguish physical phenomena qualitatively and quantitatively.

• Analyze physical problems using algebra and trigonometry.

• Demonstrate laboratory techniques and produce professional lab reports.

• Estimate experimental uncertainties and draw scientific conclusions.

• Collaborate effectively in scientific learning and teamwork.

Weekly Topics and Objectives

Electrostatics and Electric Fields (Week of 8/31)

• Electric phenomena: Charges, forces, and fields.

• Conductors vs. Insulators: Charging, discharging, and atomic structure.

• Charge polarization, conservation, quantization: Fundamental properties of charge.

• Coulomb's Law: Calculate electric force between charges. $F = k \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}$

• Electric field: Due to point charges, collections of charges, and parallel plates. $\vec{E} = k \frac{q}{r^2}$

Electric Potential and Energy (Week of 9/7)

• Electric potential and potential energy: Calculation and application. $V = k \frac{q}{r}$ $U = qV$

• Work and energy conservation: Analyze motion of charged particles.

• Relationship between electric field and potential: Field lines and equipotential lines. $\vec{E} = -\nabla V$

Capacitance, Current, and Resistance (Week of 9/14)

• Capacitance and capacitors: Definitions and problem-solving. $C = \frac{Q}{V}$

• Electric current: Flow of charges and connection to emf. $I = \frac{Q}{t}$

• Resistance and resistivity: Relationship and distinction. $R = \frac{\rho L}{A}$

• Ohm's Law: Connect potential, current, and resistance. $V = IR$

• Power in circuits: Power delivered and dissipated. $P = IV$

Circuits and Kirchhoff's Rules (Week of 9/21)

• Equivalent resistance and capacitance: Series and parallel calculations.

• RC circuits: Charging and discharging modes.

• Kirchhoff's rules: Analyze complex circuits. Kirchhoff's Junction Rule: $\sum I_{in} = \sum I_{out}$ Kirchhoff's Loop Rule: $\sum V = 0$

Magnetism and Magnetic Fields (Week of 9/28)

• Magnetic phenomena: Basic concepts.

• Magnetic fields: Forces on currents and moving charges. $\vec{F} = q\vec{v} \times \vec{B}$

• Magnetic fields from currents: Single particle, straight wire, current loop. $B = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi r}$ (for a straight wire)

• Right-hand rules: For fields and forces.

Magnetic Forces and Motors (Week of 10/5)

• Magnetic force on particles and conductors: Calculation and application.

• Magnetic torque: On current loops. $\tau = NIAB \sin \theta$

• DC motors: Principles of operation.

Electromagnetic Induction and AC Electricity (Week of 10/12)

• Microscopic currents and atomic magnetism: Basis and problem-solving.

• Electromagnetic induction: Faraday's and Lenz's laws. $\mathcal{E} = -\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}$

• AC electricity and safety: Household applications.

LR-C Circuits and Electromagnetic Waves (Week of 10/29)

• LR-C circuits: Analysis and calculations.

• Electromagnetic waves: Generation and propagation.

• Transformers: Operation and calculations.

Mechanical Waves and Sound (Week of 10/26)

• Wave equations: Properties of mechanical waves. $v = f\lambda$ $y(x,t) = A \sin(kx - \omega t)$

• Sound waves: Analysis and applications.

Interference, Standing Waves, and Sound (Week of 11/2)

• Interference and standing waves: Interpretation and analysis.

• Doppler effect and beats: Frequency calculations. Doppler Effect: $f' = f \left( \frac{v + v_o}{v - v_s} \right)$ Beats: $f_{beats} = |f_1 - f_2|$

• Resonance in musical instruments: Understanding and calculation.

Ray Optics and Optical Instruments (Week of 11/9)

• Ray model of light: Application and explanation.

• Reflection, refraction, total internal reflection: Laws and graphical/analytical solutions. Snell's Law: $n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2$

• Optical instruments: Magnifiers, telescopes, microscopes.

• Human vision: Optics of the eye and correction of defects.

Wave Optics: Interference and Diffraction (Week of 11/16)

• Wave model of light: Interference and diffraction phenomena.

• Interference/diffraction patterns: Single slit, double slit, circular aperture, diffraction grating. Double Slit: $d \sin \theta = m\lambda$ Single Slit: $a \sin \theta = m\lambda$

Limits of Resolution and Photon Model (Week of 11/30)

• Resolution limits: Optical instruments and precise measurements.

• Thin film interference: Reflection and interference in transparent films.

• Photon/particle model of light: Photoelectric effect and experimental confirmation. $E = hf$ Photoelectric Effect: $K_{max} = hf - \phi$

Quantum Physics and Atomic Models (Week of 12/7)

• Heisenberg uncertainty principle: Measurement limitations. $\Delta x \Delta p \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}$

• Wave-particle duality: De Broglie proposal. $\lambda = \frac{h}{p}$

• Bohr model: Energy levels and photon emission. $E_n = -\frac{13.6\text{ eV}}{n^2}$

Assessment and Grading

Component	Weight (%)
2 Mid-semester exams	35
Homework	10
Quizzes	10
Laboratory reports	15
Group project/presentation	5
Attendance/Participation/Conduct	5
Final Examination	20
Total	100

Grading Scale

Grade	Percentage Range
A	92.45 and above
A-	89.45-92.44
B+	87.45-89.44
B	82.45-87.44
B-	79.45-82.44
C+	77.45-79.44
C	72.45-77.44
C-	69.45-72.44
D	59.45-69.44
F	Below 59.45

Course Policies and Expectations

• Attendance: Mandatory for all sessions and assessments.

• Assignment deadlines: Strictly enforced; late submissions require prior approval.

• Academic integrity: Plagiarism, collusion, and unauthorized use of AI tools are prohibited.

• Professionalism: Courteous and respectful conduct required in all communications.

• Technology: Laptops required; tablets and mobile devices not permitted for exams.

Support and Resources

• Disability Support Services: Academic accommodations available.

• Counseling and Psychological Services: Mental health and personal development support.

• Emergency Information: GW Alert and campus safety protocols.

Textbook and Homework Platform

• Required: Modified Mastering Physics for College Physics: A Strategic Approach (Knight, Jones, Field, 4th Edition).

• Homework: Weekly assignments via Mastering Physics platform.

Summary Table: Weekly Topics

Week	Main Topics	Chapter
8/31	Electrostatics, Coulomb's Law, Electric Fields	20
9/7	Electric Potential, Energy, Field Lines	21
9/14	Capacitance, Current, Resistance, Ohm's Law	22
9/21	Circuits, RC Circuits, Kirchhoff's Rules	23
9/28	Magnetism, Magnetic Fields, Right-Hand Rules	24
10/5	Magnetic Forces, Motors	25-26
10/12	Induction, AC Electricity, Faraday's Law	25-26
10/29	LR-C Circuits, Electromagnetic Waves, Transformers	26
10/26	Mechanical Waves, Sound	15-16
11/2	Interference, Standing Waves, Doppler Effect	18-19
11/9	Ray Optics, Optical Instruments, Human Vision	18-19
11/16	Wave Optics, Interference, Diffraction	17
11/30	Resolution, Thin Films, Photon Model	27-28
12/7	Quantum Physics, Bohr Model, Uncertainty Principle	27-28

Additional info: The syllabus covers all major topics relevant to a Physics with Calculus college course, including electromagnetism, optics, waves, and modern physics. Weekly objectives align with standard textbook chapters and learning outcomes for exam preparation.