PHYS 2218 - Physics III: Waves and Thermal Physics

(PBS)

Fall, spring. 4 credits.

Forbidden Overlap: Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 2214 and PHYS 2218. Prerequisite: PHYS 2217 (with grade of B or higher). Students may benefit from prior exposure to differential equations at the level of MATH 2930 and/or concurrent enrollment in linear algebra (MATH 2940, MATH 2210, or MATH 2230). Intended for students who have done very well in PHYS 1116 and PHYS 2217 and in mathematics and who desire more analytic treatment than that of PHYS 2214. Enrollment may be limited. Prospective physics majors are encouraged to register.

E-A Kim (fall) and Staff (spring).

The first part of the course introduces thermodynamics including heat engines, the Carnot cycle, and the concepts of temperature and entropy at the level of Thermal Physics by Schroeder. It continues with an introduction to statistical thermodynamics at the level of Statistical Mechanics by Glazer and Wark. The second part gives a thorough discussion of wave equations, including traveling waves, standing waves, energy, momentum, power, reflection and transmission, interference, and diffraction. Derives wave equations on strings, sound, elastic media, and light. Covers solutions of these wave equations and Fourier series and transforms.