PHY 212

Overview

In Physics 212 you will learn about three fascinating subjects:

• electricity

• magnetism

• and light

The phenomena encompassed by these subjects are ubiquitous in nature and are of fundamental importance for our everyday lives. They make possible conveniences of modern technology like wireless communication, various medical diagnostic techniques, light bulbs and electric power stations to name a few. Moreover, they include many things that we might take for granted like the sunlight that heats our planet, the chemical bonds that hold us together, and the signals that beat our hearts.

Given such importance, what is perhaps most remarkable about the phenomena of electricity, magnetism and light is that they are consequences of a single thing: electric charge. This fundamental property of matter is the source of the electric and magnetic forces and the electromagnetic radiation that dominate our lives. During the semester, you will start to explore the nature of electric charge. You will learn some of the basic rules and concepts that we use to describe the behavior of charge and account for a wide range of electric and magnetic phenomena. From these studies, you will develop a solid foundation from which to begin to understand the electromagnetic world in which we live.

The objectives of this course are: (1)To develop a basic understanding of the laws of electromagnetism; (2) To develop the ability to apply these new concepts, both qualitatively and quantitatively, to familiar and unfamiliar physical situations; and (3) To develop an appreciation for the essential role that electromagnetism plays both in our modern society and in the natural world at large.

General Information

Lecture times: T/TH 12:30-1:50p.
Location: Stolkin Auditorium, Physics Bldg.

Textbooks: Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach. Vol. III & IV (Second Edition). Randall D. Knight (Pearson/Addison-Wesley 2008). ISBN 978-0-321-51673-2 and ISBN 978-0-321-51674-9 respectively. If you took PHY 211 in the Fall 2011 or 2010, you should have a copy of Vol. III already.

Workbooks: The corresponding Student Workbooks for Vol. III and Vol. IV of the text (ISBN 978-0-321-51628-2 and ISBN 978-0-321-51629-9 respectively).

Mastering Physics: You will need a Mastering Physics (MP) student access code to access and complete weekly online MP assignments (see syllabus below for details). MP student access codes can be purchased in the SU bookstore either individually or as part of a package which includes Vol.IV text and workbook.

Instructor: Prof. Matt LaHaye.
Office: Physics Bldg., Rm. 209.
E-mail: mlahaye@syr.edu.

Office Hours: M/W 4-5 pm. You can also stop by at your convenience or make an appointment via e-mail.