PHY 142.001
Introductory Physics II – Spring 2013
Instructor: Dr. Chamaree de Silva
Office: SEB 244
Office Hours: TR 1.00 – 3:00
Office Phone: (478) 301-2770
E-mail: desilva_c@mercer.edu
Lecture: MWF 12:00 - 12:50, SEB 144
Lab: 001: R (3.05 – 5.45), SEB 217 (Instructor: Dr. Jose Balduz)
Required Text: Physics 4th Ed. James S. Walker. 2010.
Physics 142 is the second course in the two semester sequence of introductory, algebra-based
physics sequence. To take this course you must have taken Physics 141 and Mathematics 133 or
equivalent since knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is required to solve problems
discussed in this class. You should spend at least two hours out of class for each hour in class to
completely master the material covered in lectures.
Solving Technical Problems
There are two stages in learning how to solve technical problems:
Stage 1: Understanding a solution to a problem when it is presented
Stage 2: Formulating the solution
If you do not do the homework yourself, you may only reach Stage 1. While achieving Stage 1 is
necessary, points in the course are awarded only for achieving Stage 2.
Aptitude, Persistence, and Success
Your success in many endeavors, including this course, largely depends on your aptitude and
your persistence. Your aptitude is determined by your genes and your environment. You had
little control over your environment during your formative years, and you never had any control
over your genes.You, however, control your persistence: how long you are willing to work and
how hard you are willing to work.
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more
common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a
proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and
determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan `press on' has solved and always will solve the
problems of the human race."
Calvin Coolidge
PHY 142 – Syllabus – Spring 2013
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Seven Keys to Success in PHY 142
The two most important keys to success are as follows:
1. Be able to work every homework problem correctly before taking a quiz or an exam.
2. Learn to apply the basic concepts and not just memorize solutions to specific problems.
Five additional keys to success are as follows:
3. Read the chapter.
4. Review each lecture the same day it is given.
5. Attempt every homework problem in each assignment by yourself. Homework problems are
not graded, but quizzes and exams may contain a subset of these problems. Have a perfect
answer key for each homework assignment to study for quizzes and exams.
6. Explain key concepts you learned to your peers in small groups. Take turns. Discuss the
solutions to homework problems.
7. Talk to your instructor during office hours, even if it is about the new Mercer football team.
Grading
The course grade is based on your performance on three midterm exams, ten in-class quizzes,
laboratory write-ups, and a comprehensive final examination. There will be twelve quizzes with
the two lowest scores being dropped. There will be no make-up quizzes, and first two missed
quizzes will be counted as dropped scores. If you miss more than two quizzes, they will be
counted towards your grade. Exams are closed-book, and a formula sheet will be provided by the
instructor. Missed exams which are excused by the instructor may be made up. However, if no
alternate arrangements were made beforehand, this will be allowed only if the student has an
official excuse: e.g., a note from a Dean's office, or a detailed doctor’s note.
The maximum possible score in PHY 142 is 1000 points (100%). There will be no extra credit.
The points are distributed as follows:
Laboratory: 200 points (20%)
Ten 15-point quizzes: 150 points (15%)
Three 150-point midterms: 450 points (45%)
Final exam: 200 points (20%)
Grades:
A (90 and above), B+ (85-89), B (80-84), C+ (75-79), C (70-74), D (60-69), and F (below 60)
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Class Policies
Attendance Policy: Attendance is not mandatory. However, students are solely responsible for
learning the materials covered in the missed classes.
Class Etiquette: You are expected to conduct yourself in a respectful manner to your fellow
classmates and the instructor. The instructor may ask you to leave the classroom/lab if your
behavior is disturbing to the instructor or other students.
Honor Code: You are bound by the Mercer honor code. The College’s academic misconduct
policy will be followed. All work, for which a grade is received, must be the original work of the
student without aid or assistance of another party, or any printed and or electronic
data/information. Academic misconduct cases will be referred to the honor council and the
student will automatically receive a grade of incomplete (I) pending a ruling by the honor
council.
Cell Phones: Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all cell phones
must be kept in your pocket/backpack with power/ringer off before entering any classroom, lab,
or formal academic or performance event. Warning will be given for the first-time violation. If a
student keeps violating the policy, one may be asked to leave the room by the instructor.
Documented Disability Statement: Students requiring accommodations for a disability should
inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting or as soon as possible. The instructor
will refer you to the Disability Support Services Coordinator to document your disability,
determine eligibility for accommodations under the ADAAA/Section 504 and to request a
Faculty Accommodation Form. Disability accommodations or status will not be indicated on
academic transcripts. In order to receive accommodations in a class, students with sensory,
learning, psychological, physical or medical disabilities must provide their instructor with a
Faculty Accommodation Form to sign. Students must return the signed form to the Disability
Services Coordinator. A new form must be requested each semester. Students with a history of a
disability perceived as having a disability or with a current disability who does not wish to use
academic accommodations are also strongly encouraged to register with the Disability Services
Coordinator and request a Faculty Accommodation Form each semester. For further information,
please contact Carole Burrowbridge, Disability Services Coordinator, at 301-2778 or visit the
Disability Support Services website at http://www.mercer.edu/studentaffairs/disabilityservices.
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January
09 Wed
11 Fri
14 Mon
16 Wed
18 Fri
21 Mon
23 Wed
25 Fri
28 Mon
30 Wed
First day
Rotational Dynamics and Static Equilibrium (CH 11)
CH 11
CH 11, Quiz #1
CH 11
MLK Jr. Day
Waves and Sound (CH 14), Quiz #2
CH 14
CH 14
CH 14, Quiz #3
February
01 Fri
04 Mon
06 Wed
08 Fri
11 Mon
13 Wed
15 Fri
18 Mon
20 Wed
22 Fri
25 Mon
27 Wed
CH 14
No class
EXAM #1 (Chapters 11 & 14)
Geometrical Optics (CH 26)
CH 26
CH 26, Quiz #4
CH 26
CH 26
Physical Optics: Interference and Diffraction (CH 28), Quiz #5
CH 28
CH 28
CH 28, Quiz #6
March
01 Fri
04 Mon
06 Wed
08 Fri
11 Mon – 15 Fri
18 Mon
20 Wed
22 Fri
25 Mon
27 Wed
29 Fri
EXAM #2 (Chapters 26 & 28)
Electric Charges, Forces, and Fields (CH 19)
CH 19
CH 19, Quiz #7
Spring Break
Electric Potential and Electric Potential Energy (CH 20)
CH 20
CH 20
Electric Current and Direct-Current Circuits (CH 21)
CH 21, Quiz #8
Good Friday
April
01 Mon
03 Wed
05 Fri
08 Mon
10 Wed
12 Fri
15 Mon
17 Wed
19 Fri
22 Mon
24 Wed
26 Fri
29 Mon
CH 21
CH 21, Quiz #9
EXAM #3 (Chapters 19, 20, & 21)
Magnetism (CH 22)
CH 22, Quiz #10
CH 22
CH 22
Relativity (CH 29), Quiz #11
CH 29
Quantum Physics (CH 30)
CH 30, Quiz #12
Review
FINAL EXAM 2:00 – 5:00
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