PHYS 1422: General Physics II
T R 9:30 am – 10:45 am, VIN 162
Spring 2016 (4 credits)
“Nothing is too wonderful to be true, if it be consistent with the laws of nature” – Michael Faraday
WELCOME!
The physics covered in this course was mostly developed before the arrival of modern
physics in the early 20th century. Electricity and magnetism (E & M) has been the study
subject of many bright minds from Benjamin Franklin and Nikola Tesla (famous), to
Michael Faraday and James Clerk Maxwell (not as famous, but very important). In
essence, our current civilization is so dependent on electricity and magnetism that it has
fallen into “the background” and is often taken for granted. This course will introduce
the basic principles developed by these and many other bright minds. You will learn
how to use theory to problem-solve and “think like a physicist” (e.g. quantitative
reasoning and analysis). Whenever possible, we will apply computational tools to this
end. We will cover laboratory exercises that will demonstrate E & M principles through circuits, which
have become ubiquitous in a trend that seems to only spread and deepen.
Instructor: Juan David Blandon, PhD (you may call me by any of my names)
Office: VIN 123, Phone: 486 - 6787
Office hours: M-R: 11am-12pm, M W R: 1pm-2pm
E-mail: jblandon@angelo.edu (will respond within 24 - 48 hrs on weekdays)
Website: http://www.nhn.ou.edu/~blandon/
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is aimed at non-physics/non-engineering science majors, and, therefore, will involve
relatively light mathematical rigor but also strong conceptual understanding and applications to medical
topics. Students must be comfortable with basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Major topics to
be covered include Coulomb’s Law, Gauss’s Law, Ampere’s Law, DC and AC circuits, Faraday’s Law,
Maxwell’s Equations, the electromagnetic theory of light, basic circuits, geometric and wave optics,
and basic atomic and nuclear theory. If time allows, we may go into one of the following topics
(depends on student interest): the special theory of relativity, or introduction to quantum mechanics.
Based on student request, help sessions can be scheduled.
Texts and Materials:
o College Physics, by Serway and Vuille (10th, 9th or 8th edition - hardcopy or eBook)
o Scientific calculator (cell phones will not be allowed during quizzes or exams)
o Access to BlackBoard
o www.webassign.net (class key: angelo 5742 6718, class: PHYS 1422, section: 010, ~$84 for
eBook and homework access, free for first 2 weeks)
Co/Pre-requisites: PHYS 1421
Student Learning Outcomes:
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To understand and apply methods and appropriate technology to the study of electricity and
magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics and to solve related practical problems.
Demystify physics, develop quantitative and qualitative problem-solving skills that take
advantage of available computational tools, and to communicate findings, analyses, and
interpretation both orally and in writing
To demonstrate satisfactory critical thinking, critical reading, and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology with modern culture;
and make real-world connections to physics principles, and demonstrate how these principles
have improved quality of life
Students will have engaged in quantitative laboratory experimentation; practiced sound scientific laboratory methods; and utilized a variety of different laboratory measurement techniques,
general laboratory skills, data analysis procedures, and error propagation techniques.
Demonstrate team work, public and technical communication skills, applying professional
behavior and etiquette
Grading Scale
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = below 60%
Assessment (Basis for Final Grade): Student learning outcomes will be assessed by exams, quizzes,
and student evaluations:
Default option
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40% Exams (6 exams total)
25% Lab
20% Homeworks
15% Quizzes and Classroom Activities
“European” option
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75% Final comprehensive exam
25% Lab
Approximate Course Schedule
(Note: reading assignments indicated by parentheses) Homework, Quiz, Exam, Holiday
Week 1 T: Introduction
R: Chapter 15 (15.1-15.4) – Electric Forces
1/18 and Electric Fields
Week 10 T: Chapter 21 – Alternating-Current Circuits
and Electromagnetic Waves
3/21 R: Chapter 21
Week 2 T: Chapter 15 (15.5-15.7, 15.9)
R: Chapter 16 – Electrical Energy and
1/25 Capacitance; Quiz; Homework 1 due
Week 11 T: Chapter 22 – Reflection and Refraction of
Light; Homework 7 due; Quiz
3/28 R: Chapter 22; Review
Week 3 T: Chapter 16; Review
R: Exam 1 (Ch. 15 – 16); Homework 2 due
2/1
Week 12 T: Exam 4 (Ch. 21 – 22); Homework 8 due
R: Chapter 23 – Mirrors and Lenses
4/4
Week 4 T: Chapter 17 – Current and Resistance
R: Chapter 17
2/8
Week 13 T: Chapter 23
R: Chapter 24 – Wave Optics; Homework 9
4/11 due; Quiz
Week 5 T: Chapter 18 – Direct-Current Circuits Quiz;
Homework 3 due
2/15 R: Chapter 18 – Review
Week 14 T: Chapter 24/ Chapter 25 – Optical
Instruments; Review
4/18 R: Exam 5 (Ch. 23 – 25); Homework 10 due
Week 6 T: Exam 2 (Ch. 17 – 18); Homework 4 due
R: Chapter 19 – Magnetism;
2/22
Week 15 T: Chapter 27 – Quantum Physics;
R: Chapter 27
4/25
Week 7 T: Chapter 19
R: Chapter 20 – Induced Voltages and
2/29 Inductance; Quiz; Homework 5 due
Week 16 T: Chapter 28 – Atomic Physics Quiz;
Homework 11 due
R: Chapter 29 – Nuclear Physics; Review
5/2
Week 8 T: Chapter 20; Review
R: Exam 3 (Ch. 19 – 20); Homework 6 due
3/7
Week 17 Exam 6 (Ch. 19 – 20);
R: 5/12; 8:00 am – 10:00 am
5/9
Homework Problems: Weekly homework will be assigned, They will be completed online at
www.webassign.net (more details in class). They are assigned for each chapter. Late homeworks will
incur a 20% penalty for each day late. Some exam questions will be of similar content, difficulty,
and style as homework questions. It is important to work through the problems as they constitute a
major component of learning the material. Consulting with other students is acceptable, but each
student will produce their own homework. If you’re going to miss a homework for any reason let me
know beforehand. Homeworks may also have a non-web-based components.
Quizzes: If you cannot make a D or better on a given quiz, you cannot take the next scheduled quiz
until you come see me in my office. At least one quiz per week (including Pop Quizzes and Reading
Quizzes) will be given throughout the semester. They will be given at the beginning of class. If you
arrive late you will not be given extra time for the quiz.
Classroom activities: Each day we may work in groups and students may be chosen at random to
present his/her solution on the black board for a grade. You will be graded on correctness of your
approach and solution. Other graded classroom activities may include: mock jury, problem-solving
contests, brain bowl, and discussions. Some activities may require group work. Grading criteria will
depend on the assignment, which will be announced in class.
Exams: Exams will consist of multiple choice and/or free response sections. Students may earn extra
credit on exam (or quiz) by submitting questions to be included on the exam (quiz). One question per
student group may be submitted per exam (quiz), and only one question will be chosen per exam
(quiz). If your team question is chosen, each active member of the group will earn 5% extra credit.
Only top three exam grades will be counted.
How to do well in this course: Homework will be the most important component to the class, do them
all on time and everything else will follow. Reading ahead of class will benefit you GREATLY. In
principle, you are expected to work on the material for up to three hours outside of class for every hour
spent in class. Exams and quizzes will not only cover whatever is discussed in class, but also what is
covered in the reading assignment that we did not cover in class. This is necessary in order to cover all
the required material efficiently. However, the most difficult and essential subjects will always be
covered in class. Work on assignments as they come up, do not let them accumulate. This will help you
avoid trouble as course will move along at a faster than normal pace due to condensed summer
schedule. If you’re having difficulty keeping up with the class schedule due to weakness in math,
job(s), family matters, etc... let me know ASAP (preferably before the problem starts) and we will try to
figure out a reasonable solution. Sit near the front, there’s a statistical benefit. Finally, if you don’t
understand something: ask.
Reading Assignment and How to Read Physical Science Text: Reading assignments are assigned on
a daily basis, and must be done before the class date. This way they will GREATLY FACILITATE
understanding lecture material and DOING WELL in class. Reading assignments depend on class
progress and are subject to change throughout the semester.
To me, Physical Science is best read by first scanning the section titles, the figures/graphs/plots and
their captions. This give you an idea of where the author is headed. Follow this reading the text,
stopping every time a figure is referenced to go over it again, and carefully scrutinizing it for veracity,
asking yourself if it is consistent with previous statements and if it makes sense. If a problem is
referenced, stop and read the problem, and make a note to work through it at a later time if you like. In
sum, science text should not be read like a novel.
SPS/GEO Outreach Project and Presentation: Work alongside our outstanding Society of Physics
Students (SPS, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angelo-State-Society-of-PhysicsStudents/105793706121313 ) or Geologic Exhibition Organization (GEO, http://asugeo.weebly.com/ )
on Outreach Project and Presentation with local elementary/middle schools. Must present at least 10
minutes of demos (about one or two demos), as well as prep and cleanup afterwards for full credit.
Grading will be based on participation (20%), accuracy of explanation during presentation (20%), and a
2-3 page paper (doubled-spaced) detailing the physics behind your demos, and suggesting possible
future presentation(s) and/or areas of improvements so as to (1) engage the children more, (2)
strengthen their basic scientific foundation, and (3) transmit love of science into their lives (50%). An
additional page should discuss the following questions: (1) What are some of the biggest myths or
misconceptions regarding physics that you encountered in the children? (2) How did your work help
the children improve their understanding of those myths or of physics in general? (3) How did the
outreach experience help you understand the culture of those involved in the project (as audience and
as co-presenters)?
Additional Learning Resources: ASU Math Lab, ASU Tutoring Center, Khan Academy,
www.wikipedia.org, www.youtube.com, www.coursera.org
What to Expect from Me: Hard work, professional and respectful treatment. I view my job as a
facilitator of scientific, technical, and, sometimes, personal instruction and training to help you achieve
your career goals, and, ultimately, your life goals. This may imply difficult assignments and hard work
from your part: The objective is not to make your life miserable, but rather to guide you and provide
you with the tools needed to succeed.
What I Expect from You: In addition to other points already mentioned in the syllabus, I would like
feedback on ways to improve classroom experience, and I expect your best effort and active
participation.
Student Rights and Responsibilities: Please see Student Handbook.
Attendance and Disruption Policy: Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Attendance is
usually strongly correlated with high grades. Professional behavior in accordance with student code of
ethics (in Student Handbook) is expected in the classroom. Note: If you come in late for any reason,
quietly take a seat in the back to avoid class disruption.
Religious Holy Days: A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that
intention known in writing to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent from classes
for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an
assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence.
Ethics: Angelo State University expects its students to maintain complete honesty and integrity in their
academic pursuits. Students are responsible for understanding the Academic Honor Code, which is
contained in both print and web versions of the Student Handbook.
Disabilities Access: Persons with disabilities that may warrant academic accommodations must contact
the Student Life Office, Room 112 University Center, in order to request and to implement academic
accommodations.
Emergency Procedure: Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with emergency
preparedness resources, campus emergency procedures, and evacuation routes in the buildings they use
frequently.