ELECTRICITY: Gearing Up

Introduction

The third phase of the project introduces pioneering work of Robert Millikan that sets the stage for our year-long discussions of the elementary charge. Subsequent topics are S.I. units, electrical quantities, electrical circuits and electrical components.

Parallel to this introduction, students are encouraged to review some essential background, mainly in Mathematics. 

Student Preparation - Mathematics for Physics

In addition to our introductory topics in Electricity, I will provide some Mathematical background review that you will need to use as necessary. This will be of value to all students who have not been enrolled in a Mathematics class within the past 1 or 2 years.

1.  Review (as needed)

Ahead of time, topics with selected appendices are:

• 1. Standard Algebraic Operations;
• 2. Exponents and Logarithms;
• 3. Basic Geometry, Vector in 2 dimensions and Trigonometry that includes (i) radian measure and (ii) “small angle” approximations for Sine, Cosine and Tangent functions.
• 4. Significant Figures (Keynote), Precision and Accuracy;
• 5. Graphs, Functions & Linearization Techniques;
• 6. Data Correlation* (constant, linear, quadratic; direct and inverse proportionality; hyperbolic and inverse-square law; etc.);
• 7. Methods of Error Analyses in Measurements, Data Manipulation and Interpretation.

2.  The Role of Calculus

Overall, as we navigate the course, I will demonstrate elements of Differential and Integral Calculus to provide remarkably efficient problem-solving alternate strategies in your level of work.