Courses How to prepare for Calculus Based Physics 2?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on preparing for Calculus-Based Physics II (PHY 150) after completing Algebra-Based Physics I (PHY 140) and Calculus III. Key topics from Physics I that will reappear in Physics II include energy, work, force, and the application of vectors, particularly in the context of electricity and magnetism. The participant emphasizes the importance of understanding these foundational concepts, as they are crucial for success in the more advanced topics covered in Physics II, such as Maxwell’s equations and basic circuits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics, including force, energy, and work.
  • Familiarity with vector mathematics, particularly in three dimensions.
  • Completion of Calculus III, including multivariable calculus concepts.
  • Basic knowledge of electricity and magnetism principles.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the concepts of energy and work as they apply to electromagnetism.
  • Study Maxwell’s equations and their implications in physics.
  • Learn about electric and magnetic fields and their interactions.
  • Explore the principles of geometrical optics and basic circuit analysis.
USEFUL FOR

Students transitioning from Algebra-Based Physics to Calculus-Based Physics, particularly those majoring in chemistry or biology, as well as educators and tutors looking to support students in understanding foundational physics concepts.

Geo_Zegarra2018
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hello,

Some background
I transfer to SUNY Albany in Fall 2017 and took the following courses
Organic chemistry 1: C+
Calculus 2: B-
A PHY 140 Physics I: Mechanics (3): E (like F)
An introduction to the fundamentals of physics: Classical Mechanics. Topics include the concepts of force, energy and work applied to the kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies and an introduction to special relativity
Physics lab 1: B-

Now, This Fall I’ll be taking
Air Pollution Air quality
Linear Algebra
Quantitative analysis w/lab
A PHY 150 Physics II: Electromagnetism (3)
An introduction to the fundamentals of physics: electrostatics and magnetism, including the concepts of the electric and magnetic fields, electric potential and basic circuits; the laws of Gauss, Ampere, and Faraday; Maxwell’s equations; geometrical optics.
Introduction to Biochemistry

Now my question is:
I retook General Physics 1 (Algebra based) in summer and will be taking calc based physics 2 in Fall. Is there anything I need to know for Physics 2? I completed calc 3 last semester. In December, I changed my major to biology, but now I’m a chemistry major. My advisor let me take physics 1 over the summer and said it will be substituted in for Physics 1 calc based.

What topics from physics 1 comes back in physics 2? When I retook it it made more sense for me and the topics I struggle with in Fall 2017 made a lot more sense.
 
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Geo_Zegarra2018 said:
Organic chemistry 1: C+
Calculus 2: B-
A PHY 140 Physics I: Mechanics (3): E (like F)

I like your honesty. Not many are brave enough to publicly declare their grades.

But I am not familiar with your Phy 1, 2 Calc 3 syllabus. I ama not from US. Could you please briefly describe or link the syllabi?

Thanks.
 
Geo_Zegarra2018 said:
What topics from physics 1 comes back in physics 2?

Well, physics is like a compounding thing, where all previous knowledge applies. But, to try to answer your question, I think there certainly will be a focus on energy, work, and force. This time the forces will be due to electricity and magnetism, but F=ma still rules the day.

Also, expect lots of vectors.
 
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plasmon_shmasmon said:
Well, physics is like a compounding thing, where all previous knowledge applies. But, to try to answer your question, I think there certainly will be a focus on energy, work, and force. This time the forces will be due to electricity and magnetism, but F=ma still rules the day.

Also, expect lots of vectors.

Ah perfect! I love vectors (Calc 3 was my favorite class). Thanks, I will review the work and energy.
 
e-pie said:
I like your honesty. Not many are brave enough to publicly declare their grades.

But I am not familiar with your Phy 1, 2 Calc 3 syllabus. I ama not from US. Could you please briefly describe or link the syllabi?

Thanks.

Well, I actually deserved that F grade. If my professor used a curved I would have failed both physics 1 and 2. I already took Calculus 3

I don't have the syllabi right now.
 

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