San Diego Miramar College - Phys 197 - Waves, Optics, Modern Physics - Spring 2015
CRN: 54347. Miramar College Rm S5-205 (lec) and S5-111 (lab)
Instructor: Dr. R. Thomas Skelton (adjunct).
EMail: rskelton@sdccd.edu.
Units: 5
Web Site: http://home.sandiego.edu/∼rskelton/phys197
(all lower case, and note the tilde ∼)
Pre-requisites: Math 150/151.
Course Description Physics 197 is the third semester of a three semester calculus-based course designed
for prospective scientists and engineers. Topics include the fundamental principles of physics of waves,
the behavior of light, and an introduction to relativity, quantum physics and the atomic and nuclear
properties of matter. PHYS 196 and 197 may be taken concurrently only if PHYS 195 was completed
with a grade of “B” or better or with approval of the department.
Student Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course, the successful student will be able to:
• Define Wave speed, wavelength, frequency, phase, wave front, and ray.
• Use the Principle of ray optics
• Understand properties of light, atoms, and nuclei.
Course calendar: January 26 through May 20, 2015. Lecture Mon/Wed 4:20-6:25 in S5-205. Lab
Mondays 6:35 to 9:40 in S5-111.
Attendance policy: Excessive unexcused absence from more than four sessions (Lecture or Lab) is
cause for being dropped from the course; however it is the student’s responsibility to drop if (s)he
desires.
Student Responsibilities: Students should show up on time, prepared to learn, with homework ready.
Students who do not drop by the drop deadline will receive an evaluative grade.
Grading: Homework: 10%; Quizzes: 10%; Labs: 15%; Exams: three, at 20% each; Closing Activity:
5%. Grade scale is: 85=A; 75=B; 65=C, 55=D.
Homework: Homework will be posted on the website, along with due dates. Late homework is accepted
for reduced credit (sometimes waived). There will be a homework assignment due almost every day.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be short and unannounced, either at the beginning or end of class. Your lowest
quiz score will be dropped. At least 6 quizzes will be given.
Lab: Lab will be held once per week. If there is a pre-lab, it will be done prior to the lab as a condition
of starting the lab. Lab reports will be one per group if successful, typed (equations and figures may
be handwritten), and will be due at the following lab period except the last week. If the report can be
completed within the lab, it need not be typed. Your lowest lab score will be dropped. If you fail the
success criterion of the lab, each individual must submit a report.
Exams: There are three mid-term exams. Exams will emphasize solving problems similar to the homework. Closed book/notes, except that you may bring a one-page-one-side note/formula sheet.
Closing Activity: In lieu of exam coverage, there will be a graded worksheet highlighting key points
of Chapter 44 on the last class meeting.
Key Dates: Add: 2/06; Refund: 2/06; Drop: 2/6; Withdraw: 4/10.
Course text: University Physics, by Young and Freedman, 13th edition. Also, you will need to download
and print labs from the website.
Office Hours: 3:15 to 4:15 Mon/Wed in classroom; or by appointment.
Labs: Print out labs, and do any prelabs before coming to class. Each student must have a copy of the
lab before starting work on the lab. The Pre-Lab must be completed and turned in before starting on
the Lab. Latecomers (no Lab, Pre-Lab not done) might have to work alone. Your lowest Lab grade will
be dropped.
Laptop Policy: In the class or lab, personal computers are to be used for notetaking, or other work
directly related to the course. Any other use is prohibited.
Disabilities: San Diego Miramar College recognizes its obligations to students with disabilities. Please
contact DSPS at (619) 388-7312 or via the website:
www.sdmiramar.edu/dsps.
Academic Dishonesty: Anyone caught cheating on an exam will receive a zero on that exam, NOT
subject to averaging, and be referred to the dean.
Conflict Resolution: Conflict resolution should be attempted first with the professor, then with the
Dept Chair, and Dean.
Lab Report Format (Typical):
Title, Author, Partners, Date
Introduction: Brief explanation of the lab.
Theory: explain the physics of the experiment
Experimental Procedure: Explanation of how the lab was done. You may reference the lab write-up.
Data/Results/Observations: Include any figures and data. You may use sheets from the lab procedure.
Analysis/Calculations: Show how your results get compared to theory.
Conclusions: Relate the analyzed results to the purpose. Does it support the hypothesis (in this
course, it should, theoretically). If there was a criterion for success, did you meet it?
Evaluation: If the experiment was successful, how might it be further improved? If not, what
improvements are indicated, either in equipmental technique or equipment.
Roles: (always required) List each participant and what he or she did. Everyone should be participating in all aspects, at least over the term.
Phys 197 – Waves, Optics, Modern Physics – Tentative Course Schedule – Spring 2015
Date
Chap
Lecture Subject
Lab
Mon Jan 26
15
Waves
Lab: Intro to Waves
Wed Jan 28
15
Mon Feb 02
16
Sound
Lab: Standing waves
Wed Feb 04
16
Mon Feb 09
33
Nature and Propagation of Light
Lab: Sound Waves and Beats
Wed Feb 11
33
Mon Feb 16
Holiday
Wed Feb 18
34
Mon Feb 23
34
Wed Feb 25
35
Mon Mar 02
35
Wed Mar 04
36
Mon Mar 09
36
Wed Mar 11
37
Mon Mar 16
37
Wed Mar 18
38
Mon Mar 23
Review
Wed Mar 25
38
Mon Mar 30
Spring Break
Wed Apr 01
Spring Break
Mon Apr 06
39
Wed Apr 08
39
Mon Apr 13
40
Wed Apr 15
40
Mon Apr 20
41
Wed Apr 22
41
Mon Apr 27
Review
Wed Apr 29
43
Mon May 04
43
Wed May 06
43
Nuclear Physics
Mon May 11
42
Molecules and Condensed Matter
Wed May 13
42
Mon May 18
Review
Wed May 20
44
Geometric Optics
Lab: Basic Optics
Interference
Lab: Ray Diagrams
Diffraction
Lab: Optical Instruments
Relativity
Lab: Interference and Diffraction
Photons
In Lab: EXAM I: Ch 15,16,33-36
Particles Behaving as Waves
Lab: Photoelectric Effect
Quantum Mechanics
Lab: TBD
Atomic Structure
Lab: Spectroscopy
In Lab: EXAM II: Ch 37-40
Nuclear Physics
Lab: αβγ
Lab: Half-Life
In Lab: EXAM III: Ch 41-43
Particles/Cosmology (Graded Activity)