A Modern Introduction to
Physics
Physics 248
Welcome back to A Modern Introduction to
Physics. The topics covered in
physics 248 are gravity, waves (including particle waves), and electricity. We
will begin with gravity and General Relativity, then proceed to
study wave motion, the uncertainty principle, the hydrogen atom, DC electric
and magnetic fields, AC fields, light, and then conclude with an
introduction to cosmology, which will tie together many of the topics
we have learned.
Last semester we introduced the basic principles
of motion. With the quantum theory we will extend those ideas about
motion further, and you will probably have to reconsider how you view the world
around you. With gravity and electromagnetism we will become
familiar with two of the four fundamental forces of nature known to
us, and these laws feature prominently in understanding the universe
around us.
As was true in 247, you will discover that much of this
material is being covered in a different order than is
conventional. Our aim is to introduce you to the modern ideas
of physics as soon as you are ready
for them.
We will assume that everyone has completed
the second semester of calculus and is signed up for the third
semester.
We hope you are enjoying learning physics.
Gary & Teresa