Introductory Thermodynamics, Fluids, Waves, and Optics

Catalog description

This introductory course studies the basic principles of thermodynamics, fluids, waves, and optics and their application. The concepts will be applied through problem solving and laboratory experiences. A large portion of the content of this course builds from the concept of conservation of energy covered in the introductory mechanics course. The course is required for physics majors and recommended for those majoring in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, engineering, or mathematics. The specific topics covered include elastic properties of materials, fluid mechanics, mechanical waves, sound, conduction of heat, kinetic theory of gases, the laws of thermodynamics, light, geometric optics, interference and diffraction.