The Physics Department discourages students from changing midstream from Physics 140 to Physics 125 or from Physics 240 to Physics 126, so it is important that students choose the first course of a physics sequence with care. Prospective engineers, physicists, and chemists should elect Physics 140/240 rather than Physics 125/126 because concentration programs in these areas require the Physics 140/240 sequence. In the case of some departmental concentration programs (e.g., biology) or in special individual circumstances, students can elect or are encouraged to elect the Physics 125/126 sequence. Some advisors will advise all students who have had calculus to elect Physics 140/240. Physics 140/240 can be elected by all students who have had calculus, but it should be elected only by students who enjoy solving difficult problems and who think that they will be good at it.
Note: If the Waitlist code on a Physics course is WL:5, then both sign on the waitlist through Touch-tone Registration and contact the department office.
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103. The Physical Universe: Relativity
and Quanta. High School geometry, trigonometry, and algebra. (1).
(NS). (BS).
The goal of physicists is to understand everything that goes on in the universe
in terms of a small number of fundamental laws of nature. The various laws
we presently know may even derive from some single unifying principle. The
laws of gravity, relativity, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics will
be discussed and applied to simple problems. Grades will be based on homework
and a research paper of approximately 3000 words. Cost:1 WL:3
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104. The Physical Universe: What Einstein
Never Knew. High School geometry, trigonometry, and algebra. (1).
(NS). (BS).
The goals of physicists are to understand everything that goes on in the
universe in terms of a small number of fundamental laws of nature. Recent
developments involving quarks, leptons, black holes, big-bang cosmology,
dark matter, etc., will be described on an elementary level. In the
end, all questions of "how" and "why" must be answered
or else pushed to the limit of present knowledge. Grades will be based on
homework and a research paper of approximately 3000 words. The are no college
physics or advanced mathematics prerequisites. Cost:1 WL:3
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107. 20th Century Concepts of Space,
Time, and Matter. High school algebra and geometry. (3). (NS). (BS).
(QR/1).
The twentieth century has been witness to two major revolutions in man's
concepts of space, time, and matter. The first of these was provided by
Einstein's Special and General Theories of Relativity. The implications
of the Special Theory to our understanding of the unity of space and time
and of the General Theory to our understanding of gravity and the evolution
of the universe are explored. The second revolution was provided by quantum
mechanics, leading to a new picture of the basic structure of matter. Topics
to be discussed in this area include the Uncertainty Principle, wave-particle
duality, the forces of nature, and the continuing search for the fundamental
constituents of matter. No mathematical background beyond the high school
level is assumed.
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112. Cosmology: The Science of the Universe.
(3). (NS). (BS).
The majority of even college educated adults have only a modest understanding
of our place in the universe at large. Most would be hard pressed to answer
correctly such questions as: What else is there in the universe besides
stars? Why do we think there was a big bang? How big is a galaxy and how
might they have formed? This course will provide answers to such questions,
stressing conceptual understanding and simple calculational problem
solving. The format will be varied and informal. In addition to regular
seminar attendance, students will likely be asked to perform small experiments
and present at least one oral presentation. Essays and other written work
will play a large role in the grade. Although no science prerequisites are
required, exposure to physics at high school level would be helpful.
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119/Geol. 130/Chem. 108. The Physical
World. High-school algebra. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/2).
See Geological Sciences 130. (van Keken)
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125. General Physics: Mechanics and
Sound. Two and one-half years of high school mathematics, including
trigonometry. Phys. 125 and 127 are normally elected concurrently. No credit
granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 140, 145, or 160.
(4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).
Physics 125 and 126 constitute a two-term sequence offered primarily for
students concentrating in the natural sciences, architecture, pharmacy,
or natural resources; and for preprofessional students preparing for medicine,
dentistry, or related health sciences. Physics 125 and 126 are an appropriate
sequence for any student wanting a quantitative introduction to the basic
principles of physics but without the mathematical sophistication of Physics
140 and 240. Strong emphasis is placed on problem solving, and skills in
elementary algebra and trigonometry are assumed. While a high school level
background in physics is not assumed, it is helpful. Physics 125 and 126
are not available by the Keller plan.
Topics covered during the first term include vectors, one- and two-dimensional
motion, Newton's laws of motion, gravitation, rotational motion, momentum,
energy, pressure in fluids, oscillations, and waves. The final course grade
is based on three one-hour evening examinations, class performance, and
a final examination. Physics 127 should be taken concurrently. Cost:3 WL:5
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127. Mechanics and Sound Lab. Concurrent
election with Phys. 125 is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those
who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 141. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory
fee ($25) required.
Physics 127 is a laboratory course intended to accompany Physics 125 and
provide a perspective on physics as an experimental science. Macintosh computers
are used for data acquisition and analysis. Evaluation is based on participation
and performance in the laboratory classes, and on written laboratory reports
and quizzes. Cost:2 WL:5
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140. General Physics I. Math.
115. Phys. 140 and 141 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted
to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 125, 145, or 160. (4).
(NS). (BS). (QR/1).
Physics 140, 240, and 340 constitute a three-term sequence which examines
concepts in physics fundamental to the physical sciences and engineering.
This introductory sequence uses calculus, and, while it is possible to elect
Physics 140 and Mathematics 115 concurrently, some students will find it
more helpful to have started one of the regular mathematics sequences before
electing Physics 140. The introductory sequence is primarily designed to
develop a skill: the skill to solve simple problems by means of mathematics.
Developing this skill requires daily practice and a sense for the meaning
of statements and formulas, as well as awareness of when one understands
a statement, proof, or problem solution and when one does not. Thus one
learns to know what one knows in a disciplined way.
Covers topics from classical mechanics including vectors, motion in one dimension, circular motion, projectile motion, relative velocity and acceleration, Newton's laws, particle dynamics, work and energy, linear momentum, torque, angular momentum of a particle, simple harmonic motion, gravitation, planetary motion, pressure and density of fluids, and Archimedes' principle. Evaluation is based on performance on three evening hourly examinations (see Time Schedule for dates and times) and a final examination.
Sections 035 and 036 - Keller Plan. Certain sections of Physics
140 are offered by the Keller Plan, a self-paced program without formal
lectures. These sections are marked PSI in the Time Schedule. An
information sheet describing the format of Keller Plan offerings is available
in the Physics Student Services Office (2061 Randall Lab). Students who
want to elect Physics 140 by the Keller Plan should read this information
before registering. Cost:3 WL:5
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141. Elementary Laboratory I. Concurrent
election with Phys. 140 or 145 is strongly recommended. No credit granted
to those who have completed or are enrolled in 127. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory
fee ($25) required.
Physics 141 is a laboratory course intended to accompany Physics 140 and
provide a perspective on physics as an experimental science. Evaluation
is based on participation and performance in the laboratory classes, and
on written laboratory reports and quizzes. Macintosh computers are used
for data acquisition and analysis. Cost:2 WL:5
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Times, Location, and Availability
160. Honors Physics I. Math.
115. Students should elect Phys. 141 concurrently. No credit granted to
those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 125, 140, or 145. (4).
(NS). (BS). (QR/1).
Physics 160 is a rigorous introduction to particle mechanics and the motion
of extended objects. Particular topics include vectors, one- and two dimensional
motion, conservation of laws, linear and rotational dynamics, gravitation,
fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. Students should also elect a Physics
141 laboratory. Cost:3
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