This is a one-semester course which introduces the student to thermodynamics, fluids, optics, and quantum physics. The course covers fluid mechanics, conduction of heat, kinetic theory of gasses, the laws of thermodynamics, the wave and particle nature of light, geometric optics, interference and diffraction, blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, atomic spectra, special theory of relativity, de Broglie’s Hypothesis, and Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. This subject matter will be covered in an introductory manner to prepare the student to revisit these topics in more depth in future undergraduate and graduate physics courses. Includes laboratory. Offered in fall.
PHYS226 with a C or better and MATH156 (MATH156 may be taken concurrently)