PHYSICS 1200BR - Physics IB

This calculus-based course completes the Level I sequence for a major in physics, and also provides a quantitative understanding of physics concepts applicable in biological and geological sciences and in Engineering. Rigid body mechanics: centre of mass, rotational motion, torque, angular momentum, equilibrium, oscillations Waves and Optics: transverse and longitudinal waves, superposition, interference, standing waves, Fourier decomposition, Fermat's principle, geometric optics, physical optics, interference, Michelson interferometers, thin film interference, diffraction, resolution of telescopes. Relativity and Quantum Physics: kinematics, time dilation, length contraction, Lorentz transformations, transformation of velocities, relativistic momentum and energy, X-rays as waves and photons, photoelectric and Compton effects, pair production, de Broglie waves, uncertainty principle, the quantum mechanical wave function. Practical problem solving.