Physics 260a Fall 2013

Introductory physics at a sophisticated level, intended for students

planning on majoring in the physical sciences, mathematics and
philosophy with advanced training in Physics and Mathematics.

Prerequisites: High School AP physics (both mechanics and
E&M), math, up to differential and integral calculus

Co-requisite: Math 230 or equivalent

Instructor: C. Baltay
563 JW Gibbs Lab Ext. 2-3386
charles.baltay@yale.edu

Class Time: Monday, Wednesday 11:35-12:50
Problem Sessions Friday 11:35-12:50

Structure of Course:
Lectures
Problem Assignments
Midterm Exam
Final Exam

Text Books:
Classical Mechanics
John R. Taylor, University Science Books Inc.
Introduction to Electrodynamics
David J. Griffiths, Prentice Hall

Teaching Assistants:
Ben Brubaker - benjamin.brubaker@yale.edu

Ben Lee email Benjamin.lee@yale.edu



Physics 260a Fall 2013




Tentative Schedule


Week Topic Chapter

August 28, 30 Introduction
September 4 Newtons Laws of Motion Taylor 1, 2
9, 11 Linear & Angular Momentum 3
16, 18 Work & Energy 4
23, 25 Harmonic Motion 5
30, 2 Lagranges Equations 7
October 7, 9 Relativity 15
14, 16 Relativistic Kinematics 15
21 Relativistic Dynamics 15
28, 30 Electrostatics Griffiths 2
Nov 4, 6 Field & Potential 2
11, 13 Currents and Capacitors 2, 5
18, 20 Magnetic Fields 5
Dec 2, 4 Magnetic Forces 5




Physics 261b Spring 2014




Tentative Schedule

Week Topic Chapter

January 13, 15 Electromagnetic Induction Griffiths 7
17, 22 Maxwells Equations 7
27, 29 Electromagnetic Radiation 9
Feb 3, 5 Nature of Light Krane 3
10, 12 Bohr Model of Hydrogen 6
17, 19 Schroedingers Equation 4, 5
24, 26 Spectra of Hydrogen 7
March 3, 5 Many Electron Atoms 8
24, 26 4 Vectors & Covariance Notes
31, 2 Relativistic Electrodynamics Notes
April 7, 9 General Relativity 15
14, 16 General Relativity Notes
21, 23 Cosmology 16