Physics 1120, General Physics 2, is the second semester of a three semester introductory sequence in physics. We will cover topics in electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, electrical circuits and components, light, optics, and optical instruments. The course is taught with three weekly lectures (you are registered either for the 10 am (Section 100) or 12 pm (Section 200) lecture time), and one weekly recitation.

Students in Physics 1120 usually have already taken 2nd semester calculus, MATH 2300 or APPM 1360, or are co-registered in a 2nd semester calculus course. The associated laboratory class, Physics 1140, is recommended but not required as a co-requisite. Students should have a good working knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, first-semester calculus, and first semester physics (General Physics 1).

The material we will cover is at the foundations of our technological society. Most of the material involves discoveries no more than 150 years old. We are so comfortable with technologies like television and home computers that it is easy to forget just how recent these developments are. Some of you have relatives old enough to remember the days before radio (first licensed broadcast station opened in 1920). We live radically more convenient and perhaps longer and more enjoyable lives due to the revolution in electric-based technology. Modern health-care, many industrial processes, and all sorts of domestic tools and appliances are based upon the existence of electrical power and electronic circuitry. We will cover the physics of electricity, magnetism, and electronics. By the time we are finished, you will have a base of knowledge that will allow you not only to use electromagnetic devices, but to understand how they work.

We will cover Chapters 23 through 37 in "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by Wolfson and Pasachoff at a rate of roughly one chapter per week.

Your course grade is determined by a combination of your performance on exams, online CAPA homework, and in your recitation section.

Course component	Percent
Exam 1 (7:30 pm, Tues. Sept. 18)	13.3%
Exam 2 (7:30 pm Tues. Oct. 16)	13.3%
Exam 3 (7:30 pm, Tues. Nov. 13)	13.3%
Homework (CAPA assignments)	20%
Recitation	20%
Final exam (4:30-7:00 pm, Dec. 18)	20%

Exams are scheduled as above. You are allowed to bring a single sheet of 8.5in.x11in. paper with whatever information you care to have on it to the exam. Calculators are allowed as well.

The text we will use is "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" 3rd Edition, by Richard Wolfson and Jay Pasachoff. Several copies of the text will be maintained on reserve at the Math / Physics Library in Duane Physics G-140. The textbook is one of the best tools you have in the class. READ CHAPTERS BEFORE WE COVER THEM IN CLASS. If you do, you’ll get much more out of the lectures.

We will be using the Computer Assisted Personalized Approach (CAPA) on-line system for homework assignments. New homework assignments will be available on Thursdays. Homework will be due eight days later, on Friday evenings at 9 pm. The CAPA system can be reached from the course home page. CAPA is a tool that provides you with immediate feedback on your solutions to homework problems. If you take the time to start homework early, there is no reason why you cannot have a perfect homework score by the end of the class. Homework the first week will review the use of CAPA.

In addition to CAPA assignments, there will be a single recitation/homework problem assigned each week. These assignments will posted on the course web site. The problems will be made available on Mondays and your understanding of them will be tested eight days later in your recitation session (Tuesday the following week). Your TA will give you a piece of paper with the problem on it and you will be asked to write out your solution. You may do anything you wish to improve your understanding of the problem before the recitation section, but you will be asked to solve it in the section without help from the text or your notes. We will skip these homework assignments on exam weeks.

The web site for Physics 1120 provides information on all class activities. You must check the web site regularly.

Office hours for both the instructors and the teaching assistants will be held in the Physics Help Room Duane G2B87. You will be able to get help with the course in the Help Room almost any time from 9-5 Monday through Friday. The Help Room is very busy on Friday afternoons before CAPA is due, so try to get help earlier in the week. A schedule of TA and instructor office hours in the help room is available on the course web site.

The course topics that we will cover in Physics 1120 are among the greatest intellectual achievements of humans. Don’t be surprised if you have to think hard and work hard to master the material. You can perform very well in this class if you follow this time-tested system:

1. Read the chapter material before lecture and recitation. If you read it first, it’ll sink in faster during lecture.
2. Take notes on your reading and try to write down questions you may have. If you ask those questions in class, we'll will try to answer them.
3. Come to class. Stay involved in class and recitation. Come to office hours at the Physics Help Room.
4. Start the homework early. Give yourself the time to work and understand. Remember that it’s possible to have a perfect homework score by putting in the time and effort.
5. But first: Do the reading. Don’t try the homework until you finish the reading.
6. Work together. Physicists often work in groups. You need to do your own thinking, but talking to others is a great way to sort out your thoughts.
7. Don’t get behind. It’s very hard to catch up.
8. Don’t give up.