ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE
Mathematics and Physics Division
PHY 203 – General Physics III
Course Outline
Course Number & Name: PHY 203 General Physics III
Credit Hours: 5 .0
Contact Hours: 7.0
Lecture/Lab: 7.0
Other: N/A
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in PHY 104
Co-requisites: MTH 221
Concurrent Courses: None
Course Outline Revision Date: Fall 2010
Course Description: This course is a continuation of PHY 103 and PHY 104, which completes the
introductory physics sequence for engineering majors. The theory and applications of the following
topics are covered: oscillations with an introduction to Maxwell’s Equations and its applications to
microwaves, hydrodynamics, kinetic theory, physical and geometrical optics, introduction to atomic
theory, the periodic table and elementary particles.
Course Goals: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to do the following:
1. translate quantifiable problems into mathematical terms and solve these problems using
mathematical or statistical operations;
2. use the scientific method to analyze a problem and draw conclusions from data and observations;
3. use accurate terminology and notation in written and/or oral form to describe and explain the
sequence of steps in the analysis of a particular physical phenomenon in the areas of waves, optics,
relativity, modern physics, and nuclear physics; and
4. perform laboratory experiments where natural world phenomena will be observed and measured.
Measurable Course Performance Objectives (MPOs): Upon successful completion of this course,
students should specifically be able to do the following:
1. Translate quantifiable problems into mathematical terms and solve these problems using
mathematical operations:
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
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read and interpret physical information;
interpret and utilize graphical information;
write all variables in the same system of units;
identify the correct expressions necessary to solve problems; and
use basic algebraic, trigonometric, and calculus-based mathematical reasoning as appropriate
to solve problems
prepared by M C Rozak, Spring 2010
Measurable Course Performance Objectives (MPOs) (continued):
2. Use the scientific method to analyze a problem and draw conclusions from data and observations:
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
use data collected in the laboratory experiments to construct graphs and charts;
analyze data to show the relationship between measured values and dependent variables;
explain how the results verify, or in some cases, do not seem to verify the particular hypothesis
tested in the experiment; and
communicate the results by writing laboratory reports using the computer
3. Use accurate terminology and notation in written and/or oral form to describe and explain the
sequence of steps in the analysis of a particular physical phenomenon or problems in the areas of
waves, optics, relativity, modern physics, and nuclear physics:
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
analyze and solve problems involving mechanical waves, sound waves and electromagnetic
waves;
analyze and solve problems in physical and geometrical optics, including reflection, refraction,
interference and diffraction of light waves;
analyze and solve problems involving in special relativity including Lorentz transformations,
relativistic linear momentum and energy and the relativistic form of Newton’s laws;
describe the experiment that led to the discovery of Quantum Mechanics; analyze and solve
problems involving matter waves, the Schrödinger equation, the finite well and the simple
harmonic oscillator; and
analyze and solve simple problems in atomic physics, solid state physics and nuclear physics
4. Perform laboratory experiments where natural world phenomena will be observed and measured:
4.1
4.2
4.3
use various appropriate equipment to measure and observe natural world phenomena;
work independently and also as member of a group; and
minimize errors in data collecting
Methods of Instruction: Instruction will consist of a combination of lecture, class discussion, classroom
demonstrations, laboratory experiments, board work, group work and individual study.
Outcomes Assessment: Test and exam questions are blueprinted to course objectives. Data is collected
and analyzed to determine the level of student performance on these assessment instruments in
regards to meeting course objectives. The results of this data analysis are used to guide necessary
pedagogical and/or curricular revisions.
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Course Requirements: All students are required to:
1. Complete all homework assignments before each class.
2. Take part in class discussion and perform problems on the board when required.
3. Come prepared for each lab, having read the material ahead of time.
4. Perform all laboratory experiments, analyze data and write lab reports.
5. Complete all tests and exams in class or make up missed tests, if permitted. These include a
minimum of 4 tests, and 7 laboratory experiments and lab reports.
Required Materials:

Textbook: Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 8th edition, by Serway & Jewett; published by
Saunders College Publishing

Lab Manual: Physics: Laboratory Manual by Loyd, 3rd edition; published by Saunders College
Methods of Evaluation: Final course grades will be computed as follows:
Grading Components
% of
final course grade

Homework and Quizzes
Students will be expected to analyze and solve problems
that indicate the extent to which they master course
objectives.
10  20%

7 or more Laboratory Reports
Students will be expected to show that they have read
assigned lab manual sections, can follow written
procedures, measure and record data, perform calculations
and write reports including all specified components.
10  30%

4 or more Tests (dates specified by the instructor)
Tests show evidence of the extent to which students meet
the course objectives, including but not limited to
identifying and applying concepts, analyzing and solving
problems, estimating and interpreting results and stating
appropriate conclusions using correct terminology.
40  80%
NOTE: The instructor will provide specific weights, which lie in the above-given ranges, for each of the
grading components at the beginning of the semester.
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Academic Integrity: Dishonesty disrupts the search for truth that is inherent in the learning process and
so devalues the purpose and the mission of the College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not
limited to, the following:

plagiarism – the failure to acknowledge another writer’s words or ideas or to give proper credit
to sources of information;

cheating – knowingly obtaining or giving unauthorized information on any test/exam or any
other academic assignment;

interference – any interruption of the academic process that prevents others from the proper
engagement in learning or teaching; and

fraud – any act or instance of willful deceit or trickery.
Violations of academic integrity will be dealt with by imposing appropriate sanctions. Sanctions for acts
of academic dishonesty could include the resubmission of an assignment, failure of the test/exam,
failure in the course, probation, suspension from the College, and even expulsion from the College.
Student Code of Conduct: All students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible and
considerate adults who respect the rights of others. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. All
students are also expected to attend and be on time all class meetings. No cell phones or similar
electronic devices are permitted in class. Please refer to the Essex County College student handbook,
Lifeline, for more specific information about the College’s Code of Conduct and attendance
requirements.
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prepared by M C Rozak, Spring 2010
Course Content Outline: based on the text Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 8th edition, by Serway &
Jewett; published by Saunders College Publishing; ISBN #: 1111195226; and the lab manual Physics:
Laboratory Manual by Loyd, 3rd edition; published by Saunders College Publishing
Class Meeting
(80 minutes)
Chapter/Section
CHAPTER 15 OSCILLATORY MOTION
15.1 Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
15.2 The block-spring system revisited
15.3 Energy of the simple harmonic oscillator
15.4 The pendulum
15.6 Comparing SHM with uniform circular motion
15.7 Damped oscillations
15.8 Forced oscillations
Lab #1 The Pendulum – Approximate Simple Harmonic Motion (Loyd # 19)
1
2
3
4
5
CHAPTER 16 WAVE MOTION
16.1 Variables of wave motion
16.2 Direction of particle displacement
16.3 One-dimensional traveling waves
16.4 Superposition and interference
16.5 Speed of waves on strings
16.6 Reflection and transmission
16.7 Sinusoidal waves
16.8 Rate of energy transmission by sinusoidal waves
6
7
8
9
10
CHAPTER 17 SOUND WAVES
17.1 Speed of sound waves
17.2 Periodic sound waves
17.3 Intensity of periodic sound waves
17.5 The Doppler effect
Lab #2 Waves
11
12
13
17
CHAPTER 18 SUPERPOSITION OF STANDING WAVES
18.1 Superposition and interference of standing waves
18.2 Standing waves
18.3 Standing waves in a string fixed at both ends
18.4 Resonance
18.5 Standing waves in air columns
18.7 Beats: interference in time
18.8 Non-sinusoidal waves
Lab #3 Standing Waves on a String (Loyd # 21)
18
Test #1 on Chapters 15, 16, 17 & 18
14
15
16
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Class Meeting
(80 minutes)
Chapter/Section
CHAPTER 34 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
34.1 Maxwell’s equations and Hertz’s discoveries
34.2 Plane electromagnetic waves
34.3 Energy carried by electromagnetic waves
34.5 Momentum and radiation pressure
34.5 Radiation from an infinite current sheet
34.6 Production of waves by an antenna
34.7 The spectrum of electromagnetic waves
Lab #4 Microwave Optics (handout)
19
20
21
22
23
CHAPTER 35 THE NATURE OF LIGHT AND THE LAWS OF GEOMETRIC OPTICS
35.1 The nature of light
35.2 Measurements of the speed of light
35.3 The ray approximation in geometrical optics
35.4 Reflection
35.5 Refraction
35.6 Huygen’s principle
35.7 Dispersion and prisms
35.8 Total internal reflection
Lab #5 Alternating-current RC and RLC Circuits (Loyd #37)
24
25
26
27
CHAPTER 37 INTERFERENCE OF LIGHT WAVES
37.1 Conditions for interference
37.2 Young’s double-slit experiment
37.3 Intensity distribution of the double-slit interference pattern
28
29
31
CHAPTER 38 DIFFRACTION AND POLARIZATION
38.1 Introduction to diffraction
38.2 Diffraction from narrow slits
38.3 Resolution of single-slit and circular apertures
Lab #6 Diffraction Grating Measurement of Wavelength of Light (Loyd # 42)
32
Test #2 on Chapters 34, 35, 37 & 38
30
CHAPTER 39 RELATIVITY
39.1 The principle of Galilean relativity
39.2 The Michelson-Morley experiment
39.3 Einstein’s principle of relativity
39.4 Consequences of special relativity
39.5 Lorentz transformations
39.6 Relativistic linear momentum and the relativistic form of Newton’s
laws
39.7 Relativistic energy
39.8 Equivalence of mass and energy
39.9 Relativity and electromagnetism
33
34
35
36
37
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Class Meeting
(80 minutes)
Chapter/Section
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
CHAPTER 40 INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM PHYSICS
40.1 Blackbody radiation and Planck’s hypothesis
40.2 The photoelectric effect
40.3 The Compton effect
40.4 Atomic spectra
40.5 Bohr’s quantum model of the atom
40.6 Photon and electromagnetic waves
40.7 The wave properties of particles
Lab #7 Bohr Theory of Hydrogen – The Rydberg Constant (Loyd # 43)
CHAPTER 41 QUANTUM MECHANICS
41.1 The double-slit experiment revisited
41.2 The uncertainty principle
41.3 Probability density
41.4 A particle in a box
41.5 The Schrödinger equation
41.6 A particle in a well of finite height
41.7 Tunneling through a barrier
41.8 The scanning tunneling microscope
41.9 The simple harmonic oscillator
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
Test #3 on Chapters 39, 40 & 41
CHAPTER 42 ATOMIC PHYSICS
42.1 Early models of the atom
42.2 The Hydrogen atom revisited
42.3 The spin magnetic quantum number
42.4 The wave functions for hydrogen
42.5 The other quantum numbers
42.6 The exclusion principle and the periodic table
42.7 Atomic spectra
42.8 Atomic transitions
53
54
55
56
57
CHAPTER 43 MOLECULES AND SOLIDS
43.1 Molecular bonds
43.2 The energy and spectra of molecules
43.3 Bonding in solids
43.4 Band theory of solids
43.5 Free-electron theory of metals
43.6 Electrical conduction in metals, insulators and semiconductors
58
59
60
Chapter 44 Nuclear Structure
44.1 Some properties of nuclei
44.2 Nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging
61
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Class Meeting
(80 minutes)
62
44.3
44.4
44.5
44.6
44.7
44.8
63
64
page
Chapter/Section
Binding energy and nuclear forces
Nuclear models
Radioactivity
The decay process
Natural radioactivity
Nuclear reactions
Test #4 on Chapters 42, 43 & 44
8
prepared by M C Rozak, Spring 2010