PHYS 2217

Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024.

Second in a three semester introductory physics sequence. Explores quantitative modeling of the physical world through a study of electricity and magnetism. More mathematical and abstract than a typical introductory electricity and magnetism course. Topics include electrostatics, behavior of matter in electric fields, circuits, magnetic fields, Faraday's law, AC circuits, and electromagnetic waves. Makes substantial use of vector calculus. At the level of Electricity and Magnetism by Purcell.

When Offered Fall, Spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: strong performance in PHYS 1116 or very strong performance in PHYS 1112, and vector calculus at the level of one of the following: MATH 1920, MATH 2220, or MATH 2240. Mathematics prerequisites can be waived at discretion of instructor. Students from PHYS 1112 should coregister in PHYS 2216, and consult with instructor. More mathematically sophisticated than PHYS 2213.
Forbidden Overlaps Forbidden Overlap: due to an overlap in content, students will receive credit for only one course in the following group: AEP 2170, PHYS 1102, PHYS 2208, PHYS 2213, PHYS 2217.

Distribution Category (PBS-AS, PHS-AS)

Comments Intended mainly but not exclusively for prospective majors in physics, astronomy, or engineering physics. AP physics alone is typically not adequate preparation for this course: students interested in taking PHYS 2217 are strongly encouraged to first take PHYS 1116. Knowledge of special relativity is absolutely essential. Lab will be removed beginning Spring 2022. Students matriculating Fall 2021 or later must take PHYS 1110 with PHYS 1112, PHYS 1116, PHYS 2213, or PHYS 2217 to complete the required sequence.

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