Fall 2019

Introductory Physics II: Electromagnetism and Optics

Listed in: Physics and Astronomy, as PHYS-117

Formerly listed as: PHYS-17

Faculty

David S. Hall (Section 01)
William A. Loinaz (Section 01)

Description

Most of the physical phenomena we encounter in everyday life are due to the electromagnetic force. This course will begin with Coulomb’s law for the force between two charges at rest and introduce the electric field in this context. We will then discuss moving charges and the magnetic interaction between electric currents. The mathematical formulation of the basic laws in terms of the electric and magnetic fields will allow us to work towards the unified formulation originally given by Maxwell. His achievement has, as a gratifying outcome, the description of light as an electromagnetic wave. Laboratory exercises will emphasize electrical circuits and electronic measuring instruments. Three hours of lecture and discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week.

Requisite: PHYS 116 or 123. Limited to 48 students. Fall semester: Professor Hall. Spring semester: Professor Jagannathan.

If Overenrolled: Preference will be given to students who are considering a major in Physics. After that, priority will be given by seniority.

Keywords

Lab Science Course, Quantitative Reasoning

Offerings

2022-23: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2007, Spring 2008, Fall 2008, Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2022