Physics 132-05

General Physics II

Spring 2005

Instructor: Lev Kaplan

Lectures: MWF 12:00 - 12:50 & Tu 12:30 - 1:45, in room Mech 206

Textbook: Halliday, Resnick, and Walker, Fundamentals of Physics, 7^th extended edition (vol. 2)

Laboratory: weekly starting the week of Jan. 24-28. You need to register separately for a lab section!

Office: 5046 Percival Stern Hall

Office hours: M 1:00 – 2:00 and Tu 2:00 – 3:00 (to be confirmed), or by appointment

Email: lkaplan@tulane.edu [A great way to ask a question or arrange an appointment]

Telephone: 504-862-3176 (x3176) [Please leave a message if I’m not there or try email]

Web: blackboard.tulane.edu [See for assignments, updated schedule, homework solutions, grades, etc.]

Online assignments: www.masteringphysics.com

Welcome to General Physics II at Tulane University!

General Course Objectives and Requirements:

This course is intended to continue your study of the basic principles of physics at the university level, to help you develop your analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills, to enhance your ability to apply mathematics, physics, and engineering knowledge, to provide experience in laboratory experiments and in data interpretation and analysis, to build teamwork skills, to use techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary for a professional, and to prepare a firm foundation for future study and career in many areas of science and engineering. Topics covered will include electricity & magnetism, light as a wave, special relativity, and quantum mechanics. This is a calculus-based course, and although we will not be focusing on mathematics for its own sake, you are expected to be familiar with elementary differential and integral calculus.

Grading:

Laboratory: 10% [But you must pass the lab to pass the course!]

Homework: 15%

Quizzes and Participation: 15%

Two midterm exams: 35%

Comprehensive final exam: 25%

Laboratory:

Since physics is an experimental science, the laboratory will obviously be a key component of your learning experience, and you must earn at least a 59% lab grade (departmental policy!) in order to earn a passing grade in Physics 132. You must register separately for a lab section, and you must attend the section for which you are registered (make sure you have the correct day, time, and room number). Labs will begin the week of Jan. 24-28 (“Electric fields”) in or around Percival Stern 2020-2022. The labs are self-contained and some may be out of sequence with the lectures. You must purchase a lab manual from the copy center in Bruff Commons (not the bookstore!). You will also need to bring a scientific calculator, ruler with centimeter scale, protractor, textbook, and a floppy disk to each lab. You are required to prepare ahead of time for each lab, as evidenced by a short pre-lab writeup that will be collected at the beginning of each lab, including the first lab. In addition, there will be a short quiz at the beginning of each lab, again including the first lab. Please see the lab manual for more details about lab requirements and lab grading, and also take a look at the lab.phy.tulane.edu website, which contains a lot of useful information, including the lab schedule and TA contact information. Dr. A. Dayle Hancock (hancock@lab.phy.tulane.edu or x5086) is the lab supervisor; please contact him or your TA ahead of time if you must miss a lab. Make-up labs will be given only for officially excused absences: (a) illness with a doctor's note or a dated medical excuses policy form from the student health center, (b) a family emergency such as a serious illness or death in the immediate family, or (c) official Tulane business. Make-up labs will be given the week of Apr. 18-22. Documentation will be required to do a make-up lab, and at most two make-up labs will be allowed.

Student Hand-Held Controls (“Clickers”):

You will need to obtain a clicker (also known as an H-ITT transmitter, available in the bookstore for about $30) if you don’t already have one. Please register your clicker's number with me by Wednesday, Jan. 12, or if your clicker needs to be replaced. You are required to bring your clicker (but not your friends' clickers - see “Professional Conduct” below) to each class session. I may use the clickers to check attendance, to get instant feedback on lectures, to take occasional polls, and/or to administer multiple-choice quizzes. We will practice using these devices sometime before the first clicker quiz. Please do not use any electronic device other than your clicker in class, as it may interfere with the infrared transmission of information.

Blackboard System and Tulane Email:

“Blackboard” (blackboard.tulane.edu) is Tulane University’s preferred web-based course-management system, which I will use for posting course announcements, useful web links, assignments, homework solutions, study group information, syllabus updates, grades, etc. To log in, use your usual Tulane network ID and password, the same ones you use to access your Tulane email. If you have trouble logging in, the help desk can be contacted at x8888 (862-8888). If you register for this course after the beginning of classes, your name should automatically be added to the “blackboard” roster the following night. This syllabus and the first homework assignment should already be available online. Be sure to check this site regularly for announcements (including homework announcements, changes in homework due dates, homework solutions, updated office hours, exam information, etc.).

Occasionally, I may need to contact you by email, so be sure that you either check your “yourname@tulane.edu” email on a regular basis, or else arrange to have it forwarded to another email address that you do monitor.

Problem Solving:

Since problem solving is an essential component of learning physics, problems will make up the largest part of homework assignments and exams. In general, problem solving steps include (a) understanding of the relevant theory and concepts, which may involve drawing a diagram or expressing the key ideas in words, (b) writing down and solving the equations, and (c) plugging in numbers to get the answer, including correct units. Typically, you will earn considerable partial credit on a homework or exam problem if you do (a) and (b) correctly but make a mistake at the end when punching numbers into your calculator. On the other hand, no credit will be earned if you simply write down the final answer without explaining how you obtained it. Answers to some problems appear at the end of the textbook; some of these may be correct. In addition to examples worked out in your textbook and in class, I will post online solutions to the textbook-based homework assignments after they are due; some of my solutions may also be correct. Additional problem solutions may be found in the “Student” section of the Wiley website (go to http://he-cda.wiley.com/WileyCDA/HigherEdTitle/productCd-0471216437,courseCd-PH1200.html and click on “Student” under Companion Sites) as well as in the optional “Student Solutions Manual” and “Student Companion” supplements, which you can find in the bookstore. Finally, I will also make available all of the textbook publisher's solutions for each chapter through the website lab.phy.tulane.edu/~hancock/hwform after the corresponding homework is turned in. However, I cannot overemphasize that you cannot learn to solve problems simply by looking at other people's solutions. You will learn to solve problems through practice. See “Homework” below.

Homework:

This semester, the department is continuing with a trial of the ``Mastering Physics” online homework system. In our section, we will use Mastering physics for approximately 50% of each assignment, while the other 50% will consist of old-fashioned textbook-based problems. The textbook-based part of the homework will be collected weekly at the beginning of class, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday, and the online part of the homework will be due at the same time. Early homework will be accepted, but late homework will not be accepted without prior permission and if accepted may be subject to a penalty. Late online homework will be subject to an automatic penalty imposed by the online system. Your lowest homework grade will be dropped in arriving at your final grade. A tentative schedule of homework due dates appears under “Expected Course Schedule” below. However, please note that this schedule is subject to modifications, which will be announced ahead of time in class and on the course website.

Each week's assignment may include a “required” section, which will be turned in and part of which will be graded or self-graded, and a “recommended” section, which you do not need to turn in but which you will likely find helpful in solidifying your understanding and in preparing for the exams. We will go over some of the “recommended” problems in class. Some of the homework problems may be difficult, and will require substantial thought, not simply plugging in numbers. In general you should not expect homework problems to be just like examples done in class, although there may be some similarity. Please start early and try to work on each problem right after you have learned the relevant material. You are allowed and encouraged to discuss the homework problems with your study group, with a tutor, with other students, and/or with me, but you are required to write up your solutions individually after understanding them. Copying someone else's solutions five minutes before class is not likely to develop your understanding of physics, enhance your problem-solving skills, or prepare you for the exams. In the end, you would only be cheating yourselves.

Online Homework:

To access the online homework system, go to www.masteringphysics.com and click on “Mastering Physics for Knight”. Click on “First Time User – Register” and follow the instructions. Do not click “Buy Now” since this trial is free. The student access code for this semester (a sequence of six “words”) will be provided in class. The course ID for our section is: MPKAPLAN0002. Your student ID is optional; you may enter “0” if you do not wish to provide it. Once you have entered this information, and in the future, you may go back to the home page and log in as “Established User.” Click on “assignment list” on the left to see all your online assignments and due dates. Click on the assignment name (underlined) to see the problem, and click on a problem name to work on that problem. A student booklet about Mastering Physics is available on our course website (blackboard.tulane.edu). Some useful information (“5 Ways to Improve Your Grade…” and “Getting Started…”) is also available on the Mastering Physics home page after you log in.

Tips: For best results, work on each problem on paper first, just as you would a textbook assignment, and draw your own figures as needed. After you’ve done one part on paper, enter your answer in the box. (After you hit the “submit” button on one part, you cannot change your answer. If you are incorrect you will get another chance for 85% partial credit, along with feedback to help guide you to the correct answer.) Use the “help” and “constants” tabs near the top for help on how to enter equations or constants. If you get stuck, some problems offer hints. Note however that you will receive a 5% bonus for not opening the hints.

Click the “submit problem” button only after completing all parts of a problem. Each problem is saved when submitted, and you can come back at a later time to do other problems in that assignment. You must submit an entire problem to save it (not just a part). The entire assignment is automatically submitted when you complete all problems (if you “submit assignment” manually you will get zero points for the problems you did not do).

Quizzes:

Short multiple-choice quizzes will be administered from time to time to make sure that you are keeping up with the reading and lectures. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. I reserve the right to use either "clickers" or more old-fashioned technology (pencil and paper) for these quizzes. Obviously, if you miss class without prior permission, you will receive a grade of 0 on the quiz. Your lowest grade will be dropped.

Examinations:

Two midterms and a comprehensive final exam (see “Expected Course Schedule” below) will compose 60% of your final grade. The dates of the midterms are subject to very minor adjustment, but the date of the comprehensive final exam is set by the university. If you miss an exam without prior permission (based on serious illness, family emergency, or similar circumstances), you will receive a grade of zero for that exam. [Make-up exams given in extraordinary circumstances may not follow the format or the difficulty level of the original exam. Make-up final exams will be given only with the approval of the dean.] Each exam may contain a combination of a few theory/definition/conceptual questions (short-answer or multiple-choice) and more problems. Problems will constitute the bulk of each exam, and may be similar to “required” and “recommended” homework problems, or to examples done in class (see “Problem Solving” above). You will be allowed to bring a calculator and one handwritten, single-sided page of notes to each exam. The best way to prepare for each exam is to keep up with and understand all the readings, lectures, labs, and homework assignments, and to practice doing lots and lots of problems quickly! Your study group is an excellent resource for exam preparation. Come to the exam well rested. I may also give you some more specific guidance regarding areas of emphasis before an exam. If you are having difficulty, please come see me early!

Study Groups:

During the first week, I will set aside a few minutes to allow you to form study groups. Once groups are set up, you will be able to access your group list and email your teammates through blackboard. Groups of 3-5 students are recommended. You are responsible for arranging regular group meetings to discuss course material and homework problems, and to review for exams. During the semester, some homework assignments and quizzes may be administered on a group basis, rather than individually (I will let you know when that happens). Teamwork can be a great way to make solidify your understanding of physics (or any other field) and is an important part of any professional preparation. Please let me know if you do not have a study group, or if problems develop within your group.

Study Habits:

The rule of thumb is that for every hour spent in class, you should be spending two hours on the material outside of class - that's about 8 hours per week for this course. If you wish a high grade (or because you love the subject and want to excel in it) you may want to put in more hours. Read the text before class, so you know where to ask questions. Take clear notes and review them soon afterward. Start doing the homework problems early, right after the relevant material has been covered in class or after you have read the relevant sections of the textbook. Set up regular study hours for this and every other class. Also, set up regular sessions with your study group, come to my office hours, and use other available resources (see “Help Desk” and “Special Assistance” below). Don't try to learn everything the day before an assignment is due or the week before an exam. After the homework assignment has been discussed in class and solutions are available, practice on your own doing problems similar to ones you had difficulty with. After an exam, go over the solutions to see what questions you missed and why. You are more likely to succeed if you approach the study of physics with a positive attitude. Some other study hints that may also help with your other classes may be found at erc.tulane.edu/studying.

Help Desk:

A free “help desk” for students with problems and questions in physics is being made available by the department and is staffed by physics graduate students. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this resource. The schedule will be available at http://lab.phy.tulane.edu by clicking on “Help Desk”.

Professional Conduct:

As Tulane students, you are expected at all times to uphold high ethical and professional standards, as described in the LAS “Honor Code” (a copy of which may be picked up in the Newcomb or Tulane Dean's office). Any form of cheating on the exams or quizzes will not be tolerated, and may be punished by failure in the exam, failure in the course, academic probation, and/or expulsion. “Sharing” clickers with your friends is an example of cheating. You are also expected always to treat your classmates with respect, and you have the right to be treated with fairness, respect, and consideration by me. Disruptive and unprofessional behavior, such as talking in class or packing up your books before class has ended, disrespects everyone else who is trying to learn, and such behavior will not be accepted.

Physics 132 Sections:

All sections will cover the same core material, but discretionary material, homework problems, quizzes, and exam style will vary among instructors. To promote fairness, it is expected that the average grades will be similar across the different sections. Historically, the typical average grade in General Physics has been a B-.

Tentative Course Schedule:

This schedule is subject to very likely adjustments, which will be announced in class and on the website. Extra office hours and/or review sessions may be arranged prior to the exams, if the demand exists.

Lectures: HW due:

Ch. 21: Electric Charge and Force. Jan 10, 11, 12 Tue, Jan 25

Ch. 22: Electric Fields. Jan 14, 18, 19, 21 Tue, Feb 1

Ch. 23: Gauss' Law. Jan 21, 22, 24, 25 Wed, Feb 9 \

Ch. 24: Electric Potential. Jan 26, 28, 31, Feb 1, 2 Wed, Feb 9 /

Ch. 26. Current and Resistance. Feb 4, 9, 11 Wed, Feb 16

Midterm I. Fri, Feb 18 (Chapters 21 - 26)

Ch. 27. Electric Circuits. Feb 14, 15, 16 Wed, Feb 23

Ch. 28. Magnetic Fields. Feb 21, 22, 23 Wed, Mar 2

Ch. 29: Magnetic Fields and Current. Feb 25, 28, Mar 1, 2 Wed, Mar 9

Ch. 30: Induction (omit sec 9). Mar 4, 7, 8, 9 Wed, Mar 16

Ch. 35: Optical Interference. Mar 11, 14, 15, 16 Tue, Mar 29

Midterm II. Wed, Mar 30 (Chapters 27 - 35)

Ch. 37. Special Relativity. Mar 18, 28, 29, Apr 1, 4 Tue, Apr 12

Ch. 38: Quantum Mechanics. Apr 5, 6, 8, 11, 12 Tue, Apr 19

Ch. 39: Quantum Mechanics and Electrons. Apr 13, 15, 18, 19 Tue, Apr 26

Ch. 40: Atomic Physics. Apr 20, 22, 25, 26 Fri, Apr 29

Ch. 42: Nuclear Physics (time permitting). Apr 27, 29

Comprehensive Final. Tue, May 10 (1 - 5 pm)

Class Registration, Attendance, Participation, and Involvement:

Please be sure that you are registered for this class through the TUTOR or TOUR systems. I ask you to attend class regularly, arrive on time, and do not pack up before class ends, so that you do not miss quizzes or important announcements. Let me know in advance about any unavoidable absences (including Tulane athletic events). I will use a sign-up sheet or take roll during the first week to make sure that everyone registered is here and everyone here is registered. Class participation is strongly encouraged. If you have a question, please do not be afraid to ask it. There is no such thing as a stupid question in this classroom, and if you are confused about some point, there is good chance that some other students are too, and they will be grateful to you for slowing me down. Even if some are not grateful, ask anyway. With your involvement, we can make this class a valuable learning experience for everyone.

Special Assistance, More Free Tutoring, and ERC:

If you are having difficulties or need any special assistance, or have a learning disability, or if something is just unclear to you, or you need help in developing better study habits, please let me know as early as possible, either in person or via email. The important thing is not to fall behind, since it is much more difficult to catch up later. Do not wait until the day before the exam. Remember that I am here for your benefit, but as responsible adults you need to let me know what I can do to help. Please note also that Educational Resources and Counseling (ERC), located on the first floor of the Mechanical Engineering Building (website: erc.tulane.edu, phone: x5113), can provide help with many of the stresses of college life, including free and confidential counseling for personal, academic, or career concerns. ERC also provides free tutoring in physics and many other subjects on Sunday - Thursday afternoons (starting Jan. 18, check x5103), which is in addition to the tutoring services provided by the physics department (see “Help Desk” above). ERC also provides career testing services, disability accommodations, and lots of tips on study strategies and maintaining good mental health. More detailed information is available on their website.

Considering a double major in physics?

If you like physics but are currently majoring in another field, you may want to consider a doing a double major with physics. Physics majors graduate with solid analytical, quantitative, and problem solving skills, which are valued by many employers, as well as by graduate and professional schools (including programs in physics, related sciences, engineering, medicine, and law). The physics department instituted many years ago a liberalized set of requirements to accommodate a variety of students, and today about half of physics majors are doing a second major in a branch of engineering, math, chemistry, philosophy, economics, political science, or foreign languages. Please see me or Professor Wayne Reed, the undergraduate physics advisor (wreed@tulane.edu, x5523) if you are interested in getting more details about this option.

About me:

I am an Assistant Professor at Tulane, and prior to coming here I did research at the University of Washington in Seattle. I was born in Latvia (former USSR), went to school in New Jersey, did my undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and my graduate “work” at Harvard University (on the theory of high-energy particles). My present research interests include something called “quantum chaos.” If you want to know what that means, just ask. I strongly encourage you to stop by my office to talk about physics, Tulane, questions, concerns, suggestions, or anything else that may be on your mind.