Physics 102 – Physics For Engineers And Scientists II M/W Le

Physics 102 – Physics for Engineers and Scientists II M/W Lec 3:05 pm to 4:30 pm and Lab 4:40 pm to 7:50 pm via Zoom 5 units, Section 20703, Prereq: Physics 101 and Coreq: Math 266 Calculus 2 Velveth Klee Ph.D. [email protected] – – Help hours via zoom M, W 8-10am and by appt. Welcome to Physics 102 – Discover the World Around You and Learn to Achieve Success How do bridges and railroads adjust to freezing winters or extreme heat? What provides power to buildings? What is happening in these systems at a microscopic level? What about the forces learned in Physics 101?

Analyze and solve problems related to physical systems including thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and circuits. Conduct experiments to verify physics laws, analyze data, and report results. Develop an understanding of how physics principles apply to real-world phenomena, from infrastructure and energy to natural events.

Paper For Above instruction

Physics is an integral science that explains the natural and man-made phenomena surrounding us. The course Physics 102 aims to deepen students’ understanding of fundamental principles such as thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetic phenomena, and their applications in engineering and scientific contexts. This comprehensive understanding enables students to analyze and solve complex problems pertinent to modern technological and environmental challenges, thereby fostering a scientific approach to real-world issues.

The first segment of the course focuses on thermodynamics, exploring the nature of temperature, heat transfer, and the laws governing energy exchange. An important aspect involves understanding how bridges and railroads respond to temperature variations, such as expansion and contraction caused by extreme heat or cold. These principles elucidate how engineering designs incorporate safety margins and adaptive features to mitigate thermal stresses. For instance, expansion joints in bridges accommodate thermal expansion, preventing structural failures (Cengel & Boles, 2015). This understanding highlights the importance of thermal management in construction and infrastructure resilience amidst climate variations.

Next, the course delves into electricity and magnetism, covering electric charges, fields, potential, and magnetic forces. These concepts explain how power systems operate within buildings, including the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical energy. For example, the principles of electric potential and capacitance underpin the design of electrical storage devices and circuits found in everyday appliances (Halliday, Resnick, & Walker, 2014). Such knowledge is crucial for sustainable energy solutions and innovations in electrical engineering, particularly as renewable energy sources and smart grid technologies become prevalent.

The study of circuits integrates the concepts of resistance, current, and magnetic effects to analyze both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) systems. Students learn how components interact within circuits, enabling them to troubleshoot and optimize electrical systems. This knowledge has direct applications in designing energy-efficient electrical devices and understanding the underlying physics of communication systems, medical devices, and automation technologies (Serway & Jewett, 2018). Mastery of circuit principles also provides insight into challenges such as power loss and electromagnetic interference, vital for advancing electronics and communication infrastructure.

Further, the course addresses magnetism, covering magnetic fields, sources, and forces. Understanding these fields helps explain the operation of motors, transformers, and electromagnetic inductors, essential components of modern electrical machinery. The principle of electromagnetic induction, introduced in this part, elucidates how electric currents are generated, and forms the basis for technologies like generators and wireless power transfer (Griffiths, 2017). Students gain the ability to analyze magnetic systems and apply Maxwell's equations to comprehend their behaviors in various applications.

The final modules explore electromagnetism—interconnections between electric and magnetic phenomena—and analyze electromagnetic waves. These waves include radio, microwave, and light, which are integral to communications, radar, imaging, and many technological applications. Understanding electromagnetic wave propagation fosters a deeper appreciation of wireless communication systems, optical devices, and satellite technologies (Tipler & Mosca, 2008). This segment emphasizes the unifying principles of electromagnetism, as described by Maxwell's equations, that underpin much of modern physics and engineering.

Alongside theoretical knowledge, the course emphasizes experimentation through laboratory work. Students verify principles such as heat transfer, electric fields, and magnetic forces, translating abstract concepts into tangible understanding. For example, experiments involving thermal expansion, circuit assembly, and magnetic field visualization reinforce concepts and foster practical problem-solving skills. Data collection and analysis in experiments enable students to deduce universal laws, such as the conservation of energy and charge, and to develop scientific reporting skills which are essential in research and industry (Halliday et al., 2014).

Success in this course depends heavily on active engagement, perseverance, and effective study strategies. Regular attendance, participation, and timely completion of assignments help reinforce learning. Reviewing lecture notes, reworking problems, and collaborating with classmates serve as critical tools for mastering complex topics. Moreover, integrating theoretical understanding with real-world applications not only makes learning more meaningful but also prepares students for careers in science and engineering where problem-solving and innovation are key.

In conclusion, Physics 102 equips students with a robust framework for understanding the physical laws that govern natural and engineered systems. By connecting principles of thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and circuit theory to practical issues such as climate adaptation, energy management, and technological advancement, students develop both analytical skills and technological literacy. These competencies are vital in addressing contemporary challenges posed by climate change and technological development, ultimately empowering students to contribute meaningfully to their fields and society.

References

• Cengel, Y. A., & Boles, M. A. (2015). Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Griffiths, D. J. (2017). Introduction to Electrodynamics (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
• Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2014). Fundamentals of Physics (10th ed.). Wiley.
• Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Tipler, P. A., & Mosca, G. (2008). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (6th ed.). W. H. Freeman.