PHYS 252 Intro Physics III

1. PHYS 252 Intro Physics III Catalog description:A third course in physics covering geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, quantum theory, waves and particles, atomic physics, special relativity, radioactivity and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 251 Physics II Instructor: Dr. Johnny B. Holmes title: Professor of Physics office: AH 004 phone: 321-3448 e-mail: jholmes@cbu.edu homepage: facstaff.cbu.edu/~jholmes/

2. PHYS 202: Intro Physics II You all know some physics – that is, how the physical world works. This course is designed to challenge your “common sense”, and to suggest how to adjust your common sense when it is contrary to what actually happens. The course is also designed to expand your common sense. This course will also show you how to be quantitative about your predictions. This course will also try to give you some idea of how big or how small many things are.

3. Science Physics is a science, and as such, it is based on experiment. I will not ask you what you believe, but I will ask you about the generally accepted theories and why they are generally accepted; and I will expect you to be quantitative – that is, be able to work problems based on the generally accepted physics theories. If you have a better theory that explains all that the old theory does, and if it predicts new things that the old theory doesn’t and those predictions are verified by experiment, then great – publish it! In this course we will see examples of old theories being replaced with newer and more complete theories.

4. Grading: (explained on syllabus) • 5 tests, each counts as one grade • 1 set of 9 regular collected homework problems which counts as one gradeNote: You must get at least 65 on this grade to be eligible to pass the course • 2 sets of 6 and 7 computer homework programs where each set counts as one grade • final exam, which counts as 3 grades Total: 11 grades, final grade will be based on the average of these 11 grades. 100 – A – 93 – B – 82 – C – 70 – D – 65 – F - 0

5. Absence policy If you miss 3 or fewer classes, your lowest single test grade will be dropped - note: I do not drop any of the regular or computer homework grades. If the final is lowest, it will count only 2 instead of 3 grades. Thus, if you have 3 or fewer class absences, your final grade will be based on the average of your remaining 10 grades.

6. Regular Homework There are 9 regular collected homework problems for the semester. See the schedule on the syllabus. These must be done and written up using the 7 step paradigm described in the syllabus and on the next slide. This paradigm is a waste of time for the problems with obvious solutions, but is good for attacking those problems that do not have obvious solutions. For these 9 problems, I want you to follow the 7 step paradigm even if the answer is obvious so you get practice using this paradigm. It is also a good way of communicating your thinking.

7. 7-step problem solving paradigm • I want to and I can (motivation) • What do you know (draw a diagram!) • What are you looking for (define symbols) • Brainstorm (how is what you are looking for related to what you know; what laws apply) • Plan the solution (write the basic equations) • Execute the solution (be sure to include units) • Check your answer – is it reasonable?

8. Computer Homework The 13 computer homework programs(each program consists of a problem set)are designed to give you graded practice. They emphasize getting the answer right the first time. If you get an answer wrong, the computer will tell you right away, and often tell you how to get it right. It is your task to actually get them correct. A random number generator will change the numbers so you will have to learn how to do them and not just remember the right answer. This is the same system Dr. Varriano and I have used in PHYS 150 and 251. If you haven’t used this system, see the syllabus and/or see me and I’ll explain it to you.

9. Tests The 5tests and final exam emphasize familiarity, recognition and speed. The material on the tests should be somewhat familiar. You should be able to recognize the type of problem, identify the basic principles involved, and determine which techniques to apply. Partial credit for wrong or missing answers may be given if you show your work on the test paper.

10. Study sheet This course emphasizes basic principles and problem solving, not memorization. To reduce the perceived need to memorize, you are permitted to bring to the tests one 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper with information on one side. You may bring two study sheets to the final (writing on one side only, or one sheet with writing on both sides). Calculators are recommended, but calculators can not be shared and no internet connected devices are permitted during tests. You should keep your calculator, hands, and eyes on the desk and not in your lap.

11. Assignments for the whole semester The last “page” of the syllabus has a complete schedule showing when all the tests will be and when all the homework assignments are due. There should be no surprise assignments. The only surprise will be due to unforeseen situations such as snow/ice days or power outages. The attendance sheet has the day of the next scheduled test on it, so you can count down the class days before each test.

12. My Style for Lectures You will see that in class, instead of telling you a lot of “facts”, I will often ask a lot of questions. In the slides I also ask a lot of questions. I will try to answer these questions, but I ask them first because it is important that you learn, and practice, the art of formulating and asking questions when dealing with new situations. You are free to answer the questions out loud in class or answer them quietly to yourself. When my answers make sense, then good! If my answers don’t agree with yours and don’t seem to make sense, then please think about the situation and come to me for further discussions. If you don’t have any answers, then recognize this as an opportunity to expand your common sense!

13. OFFICE HOURS I would enjoy seeing you outside of class – whether to talk about homework, upcoming tests, or just talk about physics – whatever you are interested in. Office hours are linked from the course web page, but no formal appointment is necessary. So please feel that you are welcome to stop by my office anytime you see me in my office! My office is right outside the classroom in AH 004.Usually in: by 7 AM until class and after labs. By the way, I won’t think that you are “dumb” for doing this! On the contrary, it shows me you are interested in learning!