Physics 126: General physics (with lab)

Course outline

Waves: traveling waves, superposition, standing waves

Wave optics: interference, diffraction

Geometric optics: reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors

Electricity: electric charge, forces, electric field, current, potential, circuits

Magnetism: magnetic field, induction

Modern physics: Nuclear physics, quantization

Organization

Lectures Tu Th 9:25 - 10:40

Problem session (optional)

Laboratory exercises (eight sessions)

Online quizzes and homework (20%)

Term exams (three at 15% each)

Final exam (20%)

Laboratory (15%)

Text: Randall D. Knight, Physics for scientists and engineers: A strategic approach

Recent Instructors

Sarah Nagel and Gordon Mutchler, Spring 2008, www.owlnet.rice.edu/~phys126/

Todd Tinsley and Gordon Mutchler, Spring 2007

All information is representative only, and is likely to change from year to year.