Instructor: Dr. Bruce A. Craver
Office: S101D
Office Hours: M 3-4:15, Tu 10:30-11:50,
Wed 3-4:15
Phone: x92219 (229-2219 from off-campus phone)
email: Bruce.Craver@notes.udayton.edu
TEXT: Physics for Scientists and Engineers,
Ext. , 4th Ed. - Paul Tipler
Physics 208 is the third semester in the introductory physics sequence
for scientists and engineers. It covers three main areas of physics:
thermodynamics, waves and modern physics. The major topics are:
Throughout, an attempt will be made to develop the new concepts,
and to then illustrate them by solving sample problems. Where possible
use is also made of actual demonstrations and computer software to carry
out simulations and to provide graphical representation of subjects. Generally,
to scientists and engineers true understanding of this material is reflected
in the ability to solve problems. The objective is to be able to apply
these definitions and laws to analyze new situations, and to be able to
make predictions. This requires not only sound mathematical
skills but also a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts.
Development of these skills requires a sustained effort. The
following is a list of suggestions on how to study physics that I think
can help improve understanding and performance.
1. Read the material before it is discussed in class.
This introduces you to the definitions and terms used, some of which are
words you use in everyday life, but which have specialized, and sometimes
different, meanings in physics.
2. As you read (and reread) the text write out the details of
the examples in the text. The examples are your first illustrations
of how to use the principles presented in the reading. Do not do
this with the goal of memorizing the example, but rather understanding
which principles or laws are employed, and how each step follows from the
preceding ones. If there are points you do not understand note them,
and ask your instructor about them.
3. Work on the homework problems on a regular basis, before they
are discussed in class. Here you have the chance to apply your understanding
in tackling a new problem. This is the ultimate goal, but it requires
practice. Although there is no single prescription for solving all
problems there are some aids.
(i) For most problems it is beneficial to draw a diagram
representing the problem and the information given.
(ii) In general, the solution will involve relating variables
through several relations. I find it helpful to first write out each
of these equations, regardless of how simple it may be, and then
to combine them to solve for the quantitiy desired. It is better
to work in more short steps rather than a few larger ones.
(iii) In addition, I find that it is often advantageous to solve
a problem algebraically, and to put in numbers only at the end.
Numbers quickly lose their meaning when many appear in a calculation, whereas
algebraic variables are more easily identified, especially in conjunction
with a good diagram. This makes it easier to check your work. Finally,
an algebraic solution is a solution for all choices of numerical
values of the variables. It is not necessary to redo the entire problem
if values of some of the quantities are changed. Furthermore,
an algebraic solution can easily be rearranged to solve for different
quantities.
GRADING: Grades will be determined on the basis of the number
of points earned out of a maximum of 650 points distributed as follows:
4 100point exams to be given during regular class periods, a 150point
comprehensive final, and 100 points for unannounced quizzes/homework.
The university grading system now includes A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-,
D an F. The following table lists the cut-offs for the various grades.
| A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+ | C | C- | D | F |
| 93% | 90 | 87 | 83 | 80 | 77 | 73 | 70 | 60 | < 60 |
In some cases I may announce modified cut-offs, but they would never be higher than the scale above. Anyone sending an email to me received no later than 5 PM Tuesday, 07 Jan., giving the correct date for exam 3 will have one per cent added to their semester class average.
MAKE-UP: Make-up exams for excused absences will be taken at the end of the term at a time to be announced.
PROBLEM ASSIGNMENTS:
Chp. 17 - 3, 9, 10, 14, 23, 27, 31, 33, 35, 45, 62, 74
Chp. 18 - 9, 20, 21, 22, 27, 31, 40, 62, 63, 67
Chp. 19 - 3, 11, 19, 26, 34, 40, 44, 45, 49, 53, 61, 65(omit part (b)),
73, 77, 100
Chp. 20 -
Chp. 33 - 12, 13, 16, 18, 22, 23, 37, 43, 64, 80
Chp. 34 - 7, 12, 13, 19, 23, 29, 35, 39, 40, 51, 52, 53, 107, 114
Chp. 35 - 2, 4, 13, 15, 23, 24, 25, 31, 35, 43, 53, 56, 58, 59, 62
Chp. 36 -
Chp. 37 - 18, 19, 23, 25, 38, 45, 50, 55
Chp. 38 -
Chp. 39 -
Chp. 40 -
Answers to even numbered problems
PHYSICS 208 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE - WINTER 2003 CHAPTERS TO BE DISCUSSED
This schedule is subject to change so watch for announcements
made in class or by email.
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| Jan 06-10 | 06 33 | 07 | 08 33 | 09 | 10 33 |
| Jan 13-17 | 13 34 | 14
Last day reg, change schedule or grade opt |
15 34 | 16 | 17 34 |
| Jan 20-24 | 20 HOLIDAY | 21 | 22 35 | 23
35
Monday class schedule |
24
35
Last day to change first term grades |
| Jan 27 - 31 | 27
Last day W w/o record |
28 | 29 T1(33-35) | 30 | 31 18 |
| Feb 03-07 | 03 18 | 04 | 05 18 | 06 | 07 19 |
| Feb 10-14 | 10 19 | 11 | 12 19 | 13 | 14 20 |
| Feb 17-21 | 17 20 | 18 | 19 20 | 20 | 21 |
| Feb 24-28 | 24 T2(18-20) | 25 | 26 17 | 27 | 28 17 |
| Mar 03-07 | 03
17
Mid-term grades due |
04 | 05 36 | 06 | 07 36 |
| Mar 10-14 | 10 36 | 11 | 12 37 | 13 | 14 37 |
| Mar 17-21 | 17 HOLIDAY | 18 HOLIDAY | 19 HOLIDAY | 20 HOLIDAY | 21 HOLIDAY |
| Mar 24-28 | 24 37 | 25 | 26
Last day W w/record |
27 | 28 T3(36-37) |
| Mar 31- Apr 04 | 31 38 | 01 | 02 38 | 03 | 04 38 |
| Apr 07-11 | 07 39 | 08 | 09 39 | 10 | 10 39 |
| Apr 14-18 | 14 | 15 | 16 T4(38-39) | 17 | 18 HOLIDAY |
| Apr 21-25 | 21 HOLIDAY | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25
Last day of class |
| Apr 28 - May 02 | 28 | 29 FINAL
(12-1:50) |
30
Senior Grades Due |
01 | 02 |
Click on one of the following links to view an old exam.