PHSCS 123

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Introduction to Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics

Physics and Astronomy College of Computational, Mathematical, & Physical Sciences

Course Description

Waves, thermal physics, optics, special relativity, and introduction to modern physics. Weekly lab.

When Taught

Fall, Winter, Spring

Min

3

Fixed/Max

3

Fixed

3

Fixed

1

Other Prerequisites

Phscs 121 or equivalent. Calculus

Note

Also offered by BYU Independent Study; enroll anytime throughout year; one year to complete; additional tuition required; register at is.byu.edu.

Title

Fluid States

Learning Outcome

Solve problems and answer conceptual questions using the basics of fluid statics and dynamics, including Bernoulli's principle and Pascal's law.

Title

Temperature, Pressure, Entropy, and Volume for Ideal Gases

Learning Outcome

Answer conceptual questions and calculate changes in temperature, pressure, entropy and volume for quasistatic ideal gas processes and be able to determine work done and efficiency for gas engines, heat pumps, and refrigerators. Determine heat flow and temperatures in systems in steady state.

Title

Physics of Waves

Learning Outcome

Solve problems and answer conceptual questions involving waves, using concepts such as wave speed, wavelength, frequency, superposition, beats, and resonance. Solve wave interference problems.

Title

Imaging with Optics and Optical Systems

Learning Outcome

Find the location and magnification of images in single- and multiple-lens/mirror systems by calculation and by ray tracing, and be able to work general problems in optics using Snell's law and specular reflection.

Title

Special Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, and Nuclear Physics

Learning Outcome

(Section 1) Solve problems and answer conceptual questions in basic modern physics including special relativity, and quantum mechanics and nuclear physics.

Title

Waves, Fourier Anaylsis, Musical Acoustic,Special Relativity

Learning Outcome

(Section 2) Solve more advanced problems and answer conceptual questions in wave analysis, including calculating group and phases velocities, solving for Fourier coefficients of periodic functions, and frequencies of notes in the equal temperament musical scale. Solve problems in special relativity.