PY 106, Elementary Physics II, is the second semester of an introduction to the principles of classical and modern physics. This course covers electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. It includes lecture, discussion, and laboratory components. The lecture schedule details the topics to be covered and the laboratory experiments.

A working knowledge of trigonometry and a familiarity with basic algebra is required. PY 105 or the equivalent is a prerequisite for PY 106. If you do not meet these requirements you must consult the lecturer.

M-F 9:00-10:30 am in SCI 111
Professor: Hannah Sevian
Office: SCI 323
Office Hours: M-F noon-1:00 in SCI 121
E-mail: hsevian@physics.bu.edu
Phone: 353-3809

Discussion A - Wed and Fri, 10:30-noon in SCI B58
TF: Kaushik Matia
Office: SCI 101
Phone: 353-8051
E-mail: kaushik@buphy.bu.edu

Discussion B - Wed and Fri, 10:30-noon in SCI 111
TF: WonMuk Hwang
Office: SCI 333A
Phone: 353-3845
E-mail: hwm@buphy.bu.edu

Lab A - Tuesdays 10:30-1:00 in SCI B25
TF: Jun Hu
Office: SCI B5
Phone: 353-5103
E-mail: junhu@buphy.bu.edu

Lab B - Thursdays 10:30-1:00 in SCI B25
TF: Dongfeng Fu
Office: SCI B13
Phone: 353-9436
E-mail: dffu@buphy.bu.edu

Text book: Physics, 5th ed., volume 2, by D.C. Giancoli
Optional book: Study Guide to Physics by Giancoli, by Joseph Boyle
Lab guide: Physics Intro II -- Laboratory Experiments

These are available in the BU Bookstore.

Calculator: You will need a simple scientific calculator that has sine, cosine, and exponential functions, along with their inverse functions. Please note that sharing calculators will not be allowed during exams.

Discussion sections are a required part of the course. These will meet on Wednesdays and Fridays, starting Friday, July 7. Each discussion section will include a conceptual exercise that will count 5 points toward the discussion grade. Each problem set will count 10 points toward the discussion grade.

The chapters to be presented during each lecture are indicated on the course schedule. To gain the most from the lectures, you should read the chapters and work through all of the example problems prior to attending a lecture. Attendance at lectures is required. Surprise quizzes will occasionally be given.

Web page: http://physics.bu.edu/py106

Problem sets for the entire course are given in the syllabus. They are due in your discussion section, with the exception of the 9th and 11th problem sets which are due in class.

You're encouraged to work together on problem sets, but the work you turn in should be your own. Your problem sets should be neat, legible, and sufficiently complete so that your approach to each problem is evident and clear to the grader. Place a box around each of your answers so they are easy to locate.

There are eleven problem sets. Your lowest problem set score will be dropped.

Problem sets will be accepted on (or before) the due date. Problem solutions will be available on this website the day after the problem set is due. Once the solutions are posted, we can not accept problem sets for grading.

We may be using WebCT for some of the assignments. The WebCT assignments will differ somewhat from those in PY105, in that the questions will not all come from the textbook. This will allow us to create assignment questions that are similar in style to the questions and problems you'll be dealing with on the tests.

For the assignments on WebCT, here are some things to remember when entering numbers into WebCT:

1. Scientific notation. A number like 0.000567 can be entered just this way, with a zero before the decimal place, or in scientific notation in the form 5.67e-4 (just as you would put it into your calculator). Note that this is the only form of scientific notation WebCT will accept, and there can not be any spaces in what you type if you use it.
   
   
2. Omit commas, and only include a sign or a unit if we specifically ask for one.
   
   
3. Remember to hit the "Save Answer" button after putting in your answer for each question. That changes the red dot for that question to a green star. If you want to change your answer, just enter a new answer and hit "Save Answer" again.
   
   
4. Hit "Finish" to submit the assignment. This must be done before the submission time (which will be posted for each assignment) but you only get one chance to do this, so make sure you're happy with all your answers.

Lab sections will meet weekly in the basement of SCI, between B3 and B25. The first lab will be on Thursday, July 6. Thereafter, lab sections will meet either on Tuesdays or on Thursdays. Check schedules on the doors to determine where your lab is being held. Laboratory sections and lab reports are a required part of this course. You will fail the course if you do not hand in at least 5 of the 6 lab reports. All 6 labs are required and count toward the grade.

Rules and regulations:

1. The Lab Write-up, complete with the notes and data taken during the lab and the responses to questions must be handed in to the TA at the end of the lab period.
   
   
2. You must come to class prepared with the pre-lab. The lab TF's will check these and they are worth 10% of the lab grade. The pre-lab consists of the information required at the beginning of the write-up, the statement of purpose, and the description of the experiment (see "The lab write-up" below).

General Lab Guidelines and Techniques:

1. The goals of the labs are to learn the techniques of physical experimentation, and to test a hypothesis by comparing data from an experiment to the predictions of physical laws. The goal is not to get a certain set of numbers listed properly. It is more important to try a different set of parameters or attempt a related experiment than it is to have all the data fit the theory. It is better to have errors, understand where they came from, suggest improvements in either the data-taking apparatus or the theory describing the interactions, than it is to have no errors (an impossibility, anyway).
   
   
2. Read the lab instructions prior to coming to lab. If you fail to read the lab ahead of time, you won't know what's happening and it will take much longer to complete.
   
   
3. The lab TA will begin each lab recapping the important procedures, highlighting the purpose of each experiment and any relevant safety precautions. Pay attention during this introduction, it will save you much time later on. Also, TA's will instruct you in any changes to the procedures and curtailment of the number of questions to be answered.
   
   
4. Write in the lab book or on the lab directions as you perform the lab. You can use either a special lab book, or sheets of paper. Begin by listing the date, lab, partner(s), etc. Include diagrams, notes, data, descriptions, and ideas you have along the way. This part need not be excessively neat, but messiness is discouraged. Record impressions, mistakes made, and possible sources of errors. e.g. The ball was thrown down instead of dropped, and might thereby affect the initial velocity and subsequent speed. Make tables of all numbers, either in the lab book itself or on the data sheet provided.

The lab write-up:

1. The write-up begins with a brief statement of purpose, and a brief description of the experiment, followed by the data analysis, and answers to the questions. Some labs have separate analysis and conclusions, while some incorporate the analysis in the questions. Then, a brief discussion of the errors, their sources and any problems with the experiment is made. Finally, you should conclude, considering the overall goal of the lab, and your results. The length of the lab report, excluding data analysis and answers to questions, should not exceed 2 pages.
   
   
2. Make sure to include the following information at the beginning of the write-up:
   • Title of experiment
     
   • Name and ID number
     
   • Lab partner name and ID number
     
   • Lab section
     
   • Lab TF

Note that the experiments will not be done in the order printed in the lab manual. The lab schedule can be found in the course schedule.

All exams will be closed book, with equation sheets provided. Bring calculators and picture ID's to the exams. The exam schedule is:

Grades of Incomplete (I) will not be given except by prior agreement with the lecturer.

A guide will be available after each test giving your approximate standing in the course.

If you have difficulty with any of the problems, or you have questions about the course material, there are a number of ways to get help. You may obtain help from your TF during discussion, or come to the PY106 office hours which are held in SCI 121 (the Physics Undergraduate Resource Room). A list of PY106 office hours will be available in the schedule listed on this website. Feel free to contact us by e-mail as well.

Free tutoring for PY106 is also available from the University Resource Center at 1 University Rd., Suite 150. Call 353-7077 for more details.

You are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the University's Academic Conduct Code. Cheating on exams or other coursework will not be tolerated. Evidence of cheating will be reported immediately to your college's Academic Conduct Committee.