PHYS 204 - General Physics II (Non-Engineering)

(NSLD)

Fundamental concepts and laws of physics with emphasis on principles and development of scientific methods applied to physical relationships. Less emphasis is placed on mathematics than in PHYS 161-PHYS 262-PHYS 263, and concurrent enrollment in calculus courses is, therefore, not required. This course includes topics such as mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Credit is given for the successful completion of PHYS 203 whether PHYS 204 is taken or not. PREREQUISITE(S): PHYS 203 whether PHYS 204 and knowledge of trigonometry, or consent of department. Assessment Level(s): ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , MATH 093 /MATH 096 , AELR 930 /READ 099 . Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory/discussion each week. Formerly 204.

4 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon course completion, a student will be able to:

Obtain accurate measurements using various types of experimental equipment.
Explain the relationship between their laboratory observations and the theoretical ideas presented in lecture.
Analyze data and present results in a laboratory report.
Understand the properties of EM waves.
Calculate force, electric field, and electric potential for systems of point charges
Calculate and measure the variables needed to analyze series and parallel DC circuits.
Define capacitance and calculate the equivalent capacitance in series and parallel circuits.
Determine the magnitude and the direction of the force on a moving charge in a magnetic field.
Calculate the magnetic field for simple geometries.
Use Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws to determine the magnitude and direction of induced currents.
Understand and experimentally verify the law of reflection and Snell’s law.
Use ray diagrams and the lens equation to determine image characteristics for systems containing lenses and mirrors.
Describe the conditions that are necessary to observe constructive and destructive interference.
Solve problems involving single slits, double slits and diffraction gratings.
Demonstrate an understanding of polarization of waves.
Understand the basis of quantum theory.
Solve problems related to the Photoelectric effect and Compton scattering.
Describe the early models of the atom.
Explain the Bohr theory of hydrogen.
Explain the meaning of the four quantum numbers.
Demonstrate an understanding of the origin of characteristic X-rays.
Explain the properties of nuclei and calculate the binding energy of the nucleus..
Describe the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma decay processes.
Balance nuclear reaction equations.

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