## What do you learn in College Physics: Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism

You'll cover the basics of heat, energy, and temperature in thermodynamics. Then, dive into electricity, exploring electric fields, circuits, and Ohm's law. Finally, you'll tackle magnetism, including magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction. Throughout the course, you'll apply these concepts to real-world scenarios and learn how they're interconnected in physics.

## Is College Physics: Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism hard?

It can be pretty challenging, especially if you're not a math whiz. The concepts can get pretty abstract, and there's a lot of problem-solving involved. But don't freak out - it's not impossible. If you keep up with the work and practice regularly, you'll get the hang of it. Plus, the hands-on labs make the tricky stuff more tangible.

## Tips for taking College Physics: Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Practice, practice, practice! Do extra problems, especially for tricky concepts like Gauss's law or Faraday's law.
3. Visualize concepts - draw diagrams for electric fields or magnetic flux.
4. Form study groups to tackle tough problems together.
5. Use online simulations to see concepts in action (like PhET simulations).
6. Don't just memorize equations - understand the physical principles behind them.
7. Watch YouTube videos for visual explanations (check out channels like Khan Academy or Veritasium).
8. Review your lab notes - they often connect theory to real-world applications.

Movie suggestion: "The Prestige" - it's got some cool Tesla coil action!

## Common pre-requisites for College Physics: Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism

1. Calculus I: You'll learn about derivatives and integrals, which are crucial for understanding physics concepts. This class lays the mathematical foundation for many physics equations.

2. Introductory Physics: Mechanics: This course covers motion, forces, and energy. It introduces you to the basics of physics and problem-solving techniques you'll use in more advanced courses.

## Classes similar to College Physics: Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism

1. Electrodynamics: This course dives deeper into electricity and magnetism. You'll explore Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves in more detail.

2. Quantum Mechanics: Here, you'll learn about the weird and wonderful world of subatomic particles. It builds on concepts from electricity and magnetism but takes them to a whole new level.

3. Statistical Mechanics: This class connects thermodynamics to the behavior of particles. You'll learn how microscopic interactions lead to macroscopic phenomena.

4. Optics: While not directly related, optics often follows E&M. You'll study light as electromagnetic waves and learn about phenomena like interference and diffraction.

## Majors related to College Physics: Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism

1. Physics: Focuses on understanding the fundamental laws of nature. Students study various branches of physics and often engage in research projects.

2. Electrical Engineering: Applies principles of electricity and magnetism to design and develop electrical systems. Students learn about circuits, power systems, and electronics.

3. Mechanical Engineering: Uses thermodynamics principles extensively. Students learn to design and analyze mechanical systems, often dealing with heat transfer and energy conversion.

4. Materials Science: Combines physics, chemistry, and engineering to study material properties. Students learn how electrical and magnetic properties of materials can be manipulated and applied.

## What can you do with a degree in College Physics: Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism?

1. Research Scientist: Conducts experiments and develops theories to advance our understanding of physics. They might work in academia, government labs, or private research institutions.

2. Electrical Engineer: Designs and develops electrical systems and equipment. They might work on anything from tiny microchips to massive power grids.

3. Data Scientist: Applies physics knowledge to analyze complex data sets. They might work in fields like finance, tech, or healthcare, using their problem-solving skills to extract insights from data.

4. Patent Examiner: Reviews patent applications for new inventions. They use their physics knowledge to understand and evaluate new technologies.

## College Physics: Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism FAQs

1. Do I need to be good at math for this class? You don't need to be a math genius, but being comfortable with algebra and basic calculus definitely helps. The math is a tool to understand the physics, not the main focus.

2. Are there a lot of labs in this course? Usually, yes. Labs are a big part of physics courses, helping you see the concepts in action and develop practical skills.

3. Can I use a calculator on exams? It depends on your professor, but often yes. However, don't rely on it too much - understanding the concepts is more important than number crunching.

4. How does this course relate to real-world applications? Many modern technologies rely on the principles you'll learn here. From smartphones to MRI machines, the concepts of E&M are everywhere in our daily lives.

College Physics III – Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism

Unit 1 – Temperature and Heat

Unit 2 – Kinetic Theory of Gases

Unit 3 – First Law of Thermodynamics

Unit 4 - The Second Law of Thermodynamics

Unit 4 – Second Law of Thermodynamics

Unit 5 – Electric Charges and Fields

Unit 6 – Gauss's Law in Electromagnetism

Unit 7 – Electric Potential

Unit 8 – Capacitance in Electrical Systems

Unit 9 – Current and Resistance in Circuits

Unit 10 – Direct-Current Circuits

Unit 11 – Magnetic Forces and Fields

Unit 12 – Magnetic Field Sources

Unit 13 – Electromagnetic Induction

Unit 14 – Inductance in Electric Circuits

Unit 15 – AC Circuits

Unit 16 – Electromagnetic Waves

4.1 Reversible and Irreversible Processes

4.2 Heat Engines

4.3 Refrigerators and Heat Pumps

4.4 Statements of the Second Law of Thermodynamics

4.5 The Carnot Cycle

4.6 Entropy

4.7 Entropy on a Microscopic Scale

1.1 Temperature and Thermal Equilibrium

1.2 Thermometers and Temperature Scales

1.5 Phase Changes

1.4 Heat Transfer, Specific Heat, and Calorimetry

1.3 Thermal Expansion

1.6 Mechanisms of Heat Transfer

2.1 Molecular Model of an Ideal Gas

2.2 Pressure, Temperature, and RMS Speed

2.3 Heat Capacity and Equipartition of Energy

2.4 Distribution of Molecular Speeds

3.1 Thermodynamic Systems

3.2 Work, Heat, and Internal Energy

3.3 First Law of Thermodynamics

3.4 Thermodynamic Processes

3.5 Heat Capacities of an Ideal Gas

3.6 Adiabatic Processes for an Ideal Gas

5.1 Electric Charge

5.2 Conductors, Insulators, and Charging by Induction

5.3 Coulomb's Law

5.4 Electric Field

5.5 Calculating Electric Fields of Charge Distributions

5.6 Electric Field Lines

5.7 Electric Dipoles

6.1 Electric Flux

6.2 Explaining Gauss’s Law

6.4 Conductors in Electrostatic Equilibrium

6.3 Applying Gauss’s Law

7.1 Electric Potential Energy

7.2 Electric Potential and Potential Difference

7.3 Calculations of Electric Potential

7.4 Determining Field from Potential

7.6 Applications of Electrostatics

7.5 Equipotential Surfaces and Conductors

8.1 Capacitors and Capacitance

8.2 Capacitors in Series and in Parallel

8.3 Energy Stored in a Capacitor

8.5 Molecular Model of a Dielectric

8.4 Capacitor with a Dielectric

9.1 Electrical Current

9.2 Model of Conduction in Metals

9.3 Resistivity and Resistance

9.4 Ohm's Law

9.5 Electrical Energy and Power

9.6 Superconductors

10.1 Electromotive Force

10.3 Kirchhoff's Rules

10.4 Electrical Measuring Instruments

10.2 Resistors in Series and Parallel

10.5 RC Circuits

10.6 Household Wiring and Electrical Safety

11.1 Magnetism and Its Historical Discoveries

11.2 Magnetic Fields and Lines

11.3 Motion of a Charged Particle in a Magnetic Field

11.4 Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

11.5 Force and Torque on a Current Loop

11.6 The Hall Effect

11.7 Applications of Magnetic Forces and Fields

12.1 The Biot-Savart Law

12.2 Magnetic Field Due to a Thin Straight Wire

12.3 Magnetic Force between Two Parallel Currents

12.4 Magnetic Field of a Current Loop

12.5 Ampère’s Law

12.6 Solenoids and Toroids

12.7 Magnetism in Matter

13.1 Faraday’s Law

13.2 Lenz's Law

13.3 Motional Emf

13.4 Induced Electric Fields

13.5 Eddy Currents

13.6 Electric Generators and Back Emf

13.7 Applications of Electromagnetic Induction

14.1 Mutual Inductance

14.2 Self-Inductance and Inductors

14.3 Energy in a Magnetic Field

14.4 RL Circuits

14.5 Oscillations in an LC Circuit

14.6 RLC Series Circuits

15.1 AC Sources

15.2 Simple AC Circuits

15.3 RLC Series Circuits with AC

15.4 Power in an AC Circuit

15.5 Resonance in an AC Circuit

15.6 Transformers

16.1 Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves

16.2 Plane Electromagnetic Waves

16.3 Energy Carried by Electromagnetic Waves

16.4 Momentum and Radiation Pressure

16.5 The Electromagnetic Spectrum

⚡️College Physics III – Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism Unit 4 – Second Law of Thermodynamics

Study Guides for Unit 4

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

4.1 Reversible and Irreversible Processes