PHYSICS 412

PHYS 221 Optics and Thermal Physics MWF 1:50 pm-02:40 pm MPHY 213

Fall 2012

Prerequisites: PHYS 218 and 208, MATH 171 and 172; Registration in MATH 221 and 308 Lecturer: Email: Office: Website:

Prof. Glenn Agnolet [email protected] Office Hours: MWF: 11:30 – 12:30, TW: 4:00 - 5:00 MPHY 450 (845-2836) http://faculty.physics.tamu.edu/agnolet/teaching.html

Text:

University Physics, Young and Freedman, Volumes 1 and 2

Course Description and Goals: The material in PHYS 221 (Optics and Thermal Physics) serves as a bridge between the classical interpretation of nature as developed in mechanics and electromagnetism and quantum behavior. The concepts and mathematics needed to analyze the behavior of mechanical and electromagnetic waves will prove useful in the development of a quantum description of microscopic phenomena. The introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics will reveal how the macroscopic properties of materials can be directly influenced by quantum behavior of the microscopic constituents of matter. We start with an introduction to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. After a discussion of temperature and heat, we will review some of the more common thermal properties and phenomena of materials. We will discuss the three laws of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy and indicate how they put constraints on what is physically possible. This will naturally lead to a microscopic description of matter and the kinetic theory of gases and the Maxwell Boltzmann distribution. After thermodynamics, we will develop mathematical techniques to solve for the motion of a simple harmonic motion from the differential form of Newton’s equation. In addition to free oscillations, our analysis will cover the motion of damped and driven oscillators. We will then extend our analysis to the wave equation in which extended objects oscillate in both time and space. We will find that many properties of the wave are universal and only depend upon the wave equation. With this insight, we will then make the transition from mechanical waves to the more abstract electromagnetic waves. After reviewing the unique characteristics of electromagnetic waves, we will explore many of the phenomena associated with light including geometric optics, polarization, interference and diffraction. Comments on the Text: The primary text for this course is University Physics, Young and Freedman. You will need both volumes. As in the past, my lecture notes and computer demonstrations will be made available. However, the acquisition of these notes should not in any way absolve the student from reading the primary text or supplemental texts. Homework: There will be 12 homework sets spaced throughout the semester. The assignments are due by 5:00 PM on the date indicated on the assignments. No late homework will be accepted unless an excused absence is documented. These homework sets are an important element of the course and are assigned to help you develop an understanding of the course material. Optional review sessions will be scheduled for the purpose of discussing the homework problems. Assignments and solutions will be posted on http://elearning.tamu.edu/ Grading Schedule: Exam I, II, III

60%

Homework

20%

Final

20%

Tentative Schedule of Topics and Exams: 1.

Aug. 27 – Aug. 31

Y 17

Temperature and Heat

2.

Sept. 3 - Sept. 7

Y 18

Thermal Properties of Matter

3.

Sept. 10 - Sept. 14

Y 19

First Law of Thermodynamics

4.

Sept. 17 – Sept. 21

Y 20

Second Law and Entropy

4.

Oct. 2

Exam I

5.

Sept. 24 - Sept. 28

Y 14

Math Review – Simple Harmonic Motion

6.

Oct. 1 - Oct. 5

Y 14

Damped and Forced Oscillations

Oct. 8 – Oct. 12

Y 15

Waves in Elastic Media

7.

Oct. 23

Exam II

8.

Oct. 15 - Oct. 19

Y 15 – Y 16

9.

Oct. 22 - Oct. 26

Y 16

Superposition and Standing Waves

10.

Oct. 29 - Nov. 2

Y 32 – Y 33

Electromagnetic Waves and Light

Nov. 13

Sound Waves

Exam III

11.

Nov. 5 - Nov. 9

Y 34

Geometric Optics

12.

Nov. 12 - Nov. 16

Y 35

Interference

13.

Nov. 19 - Nov. 21

Y 35 – Y 36

14.

Nov. 26 – Nov. 30

Y 36

15

Dec. 3 Dec. 11

Interference-Diffraction Diffraction Final Exam

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 845-1637. For additional information visit http://disability.tamu.edu. “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.” Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the TAMU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor System. For additional information please visit: aggiehonor.tamu.edu With regards to homework assignments, it is permitted for students to discuss the problems, to obtain help from other students and to review published solutions. However, it is expected that each individual will write up the answers to their problem set. They must not be copied from other individuals or from other sources. If evidence of such copying is found, each individual (including the source) will receive zero credit for that entire assignment. The following will be explicitly assumed for all assignments and examinations. “On my honor, as an Aggie, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work.”