PHYSICS 203
Intro. Physics III: Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Modern Physics – Fall 2013
INSTRUCTOR
John W. Zwart; office S-224, ext. 6288, john.zwart@dordt.edu
Home phone 722-4581, not after 10 pm please!
Office hours: Thursday 9:30-10:30 am and 2-3 pm, Friday noon- 1 pm
You may also stop in during the second half of any lab period.
Course information can be found at http://homepages.dordt.edu/~zwart/
TEXT
Halliday, Resnick, Walker Fundamentals of Physics, 9/e
Fisher God Did It, But How? 2/e
McDermott, Shaffer Tutorials in Introductory Physics (tutorials and homework)
A laboratory notebook is also required.
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
COURSE
OBJECTIVES
GRADING
SYSTEM
Physics 203 is a continuation of Physics 202, which is a prerequisite.
Approximately the first half of the course will deal with the conclusion of
Electricity and Magnetism including: circuits, magnetism, EM oscillations,
alternating currents, Maxwell's equations, and EM waves. The second part of
the course will deal with: geometrical optics, interference and diffraction,
relativity, and topics in modern physics. Pedagogical methodology includes
assigned readings, assignments, lectures, demonstrations, videotaped material,
laboratories, and in class activities and student presentations.
1)To further an understanding of the physical creation as described by the laws of
physics.
2)To further develop problem solving methodology.
3)To develop understanding of a reformed view of the relationship between faith
and science.
4)To continue to develop an understanding of measurement techniques and
limitations in laboratory experiments.
Assignments
Laboratory
Class Participation
Midterm Exams
Final Exam
15%
25%
20%
20%
20%
Course grades will be assigned as A >93.3%, A- 90.0-93.3%, B+ 86.7-89.9%, B 83.3-86.6%, B- 80.083.2% etc.
The weekly problem sets will be due as announced. Late problem sets will receive half credit if handed
in before the graded sets are returned and zero credit thereafter, unless previous arrangements have
been made. A brief, but complete, statement of each of the problems or questions given must be
included as part of the solution. The solutions need to have sufficient detail to enable the grader to
understand your method.
Participation score includes being in class, responding to questions, participation in discussions, and
two short (10 minute) presentations. Please let me know in advance if you need to be gone for a
particular reason, and as soon as possible if you missed class due to illness.
The exams are scheduled as noted. You may take one 3”x 5” card (no more than 1/16” thick) with
whatever handwritten material you desire on it to each exam. The final exam is scheduled for 8-10 am
Thursday December 19. Three cards can be taken to the final.
The lab meets Wednesday from 2-5 pm in S227.
Physics 203 Tentative Schedule
The schedule below is tentative. The instructor reserves the right to modify it if needed. Unless
otherwise indicated, you should read all sections of each chapter of the text before the first day that the
topic is discussed in class.
Aug 27, 29
Sep 3, 5
Sep 10, 12
Sep 17
Sep 19, 24
Sep 26
Introduction and Chapter 27 Circuits
Ch 28 Magnetic Fields
Ch 29 Magnetic Fields Due to Currents
Ch 1 & 2 of Fischer – topics in faith and science
Ch 30 Induction
Ch 31 Oscillations and AC
Oct 1
Exam #1
Oct 3
Oct 8
Oct 10, 15
Oct 17
Oct 22, 24
Oct 29
Oct 31, Nov 5
Nov 7, 12
Nov 14
no class – Reading Day
Ch 31 Oscillations and AC, cont.
Ch 32 Maxwell’s Equations
Student Presentations
Ch 33 EM waves
Ch 3 & 4 of Fischer – topics in faith and science
Ch 34 Images
Ch 35 Interference & Ch 36 Diffraction (selected topics)
Student presentations
Nov 19
Exam #2
Nov 21 – Dec 10
Dec 10
topics in Modern Physics (student selected)
Ch 5 Fischer – faith and science & summary
Dec 19
Final Exam 8-10 am
Physics 203 Laboratory Syllabus
Texts
 Materials adapted from K. Appel et al., Physics with Computers (Vernier Software, 1998), used
by permission.
 Laboratory activities as designed by the instructors.
 John W. Zwart and Arnold E. Sikkema, Physics 201 Laboratory Guide (Dordt College, 2003)
 Lab Notebook
Objectives
 Continue the objectives of the Physics 201/202 laboratories:
o To develop physical intuition (conceptual understanding of physics)
o To develop an understanding of measurement methods, techniques, tools, apparatus, and
limitations in laboratory experiments.
o To develop experimental and computer skills relevant to physics and other sciences.
 To develop creativity in experimental design.
 To develop scientific communication skills, particularly that of the laboratory report.
 To enhance understanding of electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics through
hands-on activities and experiments.
Grading System
The laboratory component of the Physics 203 course counts for 25% of the course grade. This 25% is
divided as: participation (10%), formal laboratory report (10%), and lab quizzes (5%). Guidelines for
the formal lab report will be provided separately.
Instructor Expectations
Students should follow the lab recording procedures developed in 201-202. All material must go
directly into a lab notebook, do not erase, etc. Absences from lab should only be due to illness, family
emergency, or other legitimate excuse. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor at least
24 hours in advance if possible. Students are expected to make up the lab (physically performing it)
before the next meeting.
The laboratories will be designed each week to try to match what we are learning in the lecture portion
of the course. There is some flexibility in what we do and your input will be needed.
Academic Dishonesty Policy: Dordt College is committed to developing a community of Christian scholars where all
members accept the responsibility of practicing personal and academic integrity in obedience to biblical teaching. For
students, this means not lying, cheating, or stealing others’ work to gain academic advantage; it also means opposing
academic dishonesty. Students found to be academically dishonest will receive academic sanctions from their professor
(from a failing grade on the particular academic task to a failing grade in the course) and will be reported to the Student Life
Committee for possible institutional sanctions (from a warning to dismissal from the college). Appeals in such matters will
be handled by the student disciplinary process.
For more information, see the Student Handbook at
www.dordt.edu/campus_life/student_handbook/general_information.shtml#academic_dishonesty
Dordt Students’ Rights to Assistance or Accommodations Policy: Any student who needs access to accommodations
based on the impact of a documented disability should contact the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities
(CSSD) in the Academic Skills (ASK) Center. Students should register their needs with the CSSD each semester by
contacting Marliss Van Der Zwaag, CSSD, L-168, (712)722-6490, mvdzwaag@dordt.edu.