Discipline: Physics Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Physics 4C


COURSE DESCRIPTION
4C Heat, Light and Waves Units: 4.00
 
Prerequisite(s): PHY 4A: Mechanics

Co-Requisite(s): MAT 1B
Examines temperature, heat transfer, thermal properties of matter, thermodynamics and heat-engine cycles, wave motion and acoustical phenomena, reflection, refraction, lenses, interference, and diffraction. 54 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
The study of classical thermodynamics, geometrical and physical optics and fluid dynamics.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Apply the definitions of oscillatory and wave motion to construct
      solutions to problems.

2.   Define the concepts of fluid mechanics, including pressure, density,
      and buoyancy, and use them to solve approriate problems.

3.   Explain the concepts of therodynamics, such as temperature, heat
      and internal energy, and their relationships to each other and
      apply these concepts to solve problems.

4.   Apply the concepts of physical and geometric optics to construct
      solutions to problems related to these concepts.

5.   Record and analyze measured data in a laboratory environment by
      applying concepts related to material presented in lecture.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. Fluid mechanics, including definitions of pressure and density; buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, flow rate, Bernoulli's Principle
  2. Mechanical waves, including pressure waves and transverse waves on a string and other media; reflection and trasmission of waves; interference of sound waves; standing waves on a string; Doppler Effect
  3. Temperature scales, thermal energy, heat, heat capacity, thermal expansion
  4. The ideal gas law, kenetic theory, Laws of Thermodynamics, heat engines entropy
  5. Light rays, law of reflection, law of refraction, ploarization, Brewster's angle
  6. Images created by reflection and refraction, spherical mirrors, thin lenses, magnification. optical instruments
  7. Interference of light waves, double slit interference, thin film interference, Newton's rings
  8. Diffraction of light waves, single slit diffraction, resolution, Rayleigh's criterion
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Present class lectures in order to explain concepts and illustrate how to solve problems by relating concepts.
  • Presenting class demonstrations to reinforce understanding of the concepts explained in lecture.
  • Arrange class discussions to allow students to work together to solve problems.
  • Develop class exercises which encourage students to help each other develop problem solving ability.
  • Develop web based assignments and materials to assist students with homework and reinforce their understanding of material presented in lecture.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Quizzes and examinations which allow students to demonstrate their individual ability to solve problems using concepts presented in lecture.
  • Homework assigments to be completed outside of class by individual sturdents or as groups, which allow students to demonstrate their ablility to work together to enhance learning.
  • Written reports of laboratory activities, including measured and analyzed data, which will allow students to demonstrate their ability to apply concepts presented in lecture.
  • Final examination designed to allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the course material, including the ability to relate course topics and use their relationships to solve problems.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Young, Freedman. University Physics. 9 ed. any: Addison Wesley, 1996.
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