Degrees, Certificates, & Transfer Programs

Student Learning Outcomes -

• The student will be able to interpret phenomena in Waves and Optics with a calculus treatment.
• The student will be able to solve problems in Modern Physics involving calculus.

Description -

Application of calculus to physics topics and problems in thermodynamics, waves, optics and modern physics.

Course Objectives -

1. Solve problems in Thermodynamics involving calculus.
2. Interpret phenomena in Waves and Optics with a calculus treatment.
3. Solve problems in Modern Physics involving calculus.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment -

Course Content (Body of knowledge) -

1. Solve problems in Thermodynamics involving calculus
1. Work in Thermodynamics
1. Area Under the Curve
2. Isotherms
2. Adiabatic Processes
1. Definition
2. Relationship between Temperature and Pressure
3. Conserved Quantities and Work Done
3. Entropy Using Integrals
1. Definition
2. Entropy in Temperature Change
3. Entropy in Free Expansion of Gas
4. Entropy of Mixing
4. Speeds and the Maxwell-Boltzmann Velocity Distribution
2. Interpret phenomena in Waves and Optics with a calculus treatment
1. The Wave Equation
1. Definition/Solution
2. Speed
3. Energy Transport
2. Snell's Law as a Minimization Problem
3. Rainbows
1. Refraction by Raindrops
2. Minimization Leading to the Rainbow
3. Solve problems in Modern Physics involving calculus
1. Radioactivity
1. Differential Equation
2. Exponential Decay and Half-lives
2. Schrodinger's Equation - Particle in a Box
1. The Time-Independent Equation
2. Conditions that Define a Particle in a Box
3. Solutions
3. Schrodinger's Equation - Probabilities
1. Probabalistic Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics
2. How to Use Coefficients to Generate Probabilities

Methods of Evaluation -

1. Weekly assignments
2. Midterms
3. Final examination

Representative Text(s) -

Disciplines -

Method of Instruction -

Lab Content -

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing and Outside of Class Assignments -

1. Homework problems covering subject matter from text and related material ranging from 3-10 problems per week. Students will need to employ critical thinking in order to complete assignments.
2. One hour per week of lecture covering subject matter from text and related material. Reading and study of the textbook, related materials and notes.