School of Physics

Traditional Introductory Physics II
Electricity & Magnetism
PHYS 2212 G

Old Announcements

You are responsible for everything posted here.

Apr 17
Final Exam Location and Format
The final exam period has been set by the Registrar's Office. The Final Exam will be administered Wednesday, May 02, from 6:00 to 8:50pm, in Howey L4, which is the regular quiz room. Don't forget your photo ID.
The Final Exam will have four 13-point Free Response problems and sixteen 3-point Multiple-Choice questions. Some of the Multiple-Choice may require a bit more calculation than the Multiple-Choice did on the quizzes, but many will be strictly conceptual. I intend that topics in the course will be covered roughly evenly — that is, there will be no special emphasis on material after Quiz #4.
Remember that calculators that cannot store text may be used on final exam. Note that if your calculator keypad includes a complete alphabet, that's a very good sign that it cannot be used. Do not expect to be provided with an appropriate calculator if you do not bring your own.
Remember the expectations for your work on the free response problems, which are the same good problem-solving practices you should be using on the homework, anyway.
  • Units should be shown with any value that has a unit
  • Algebraic manipulations should be performed with symbols, not values
  • Consider, but do not obsess over, significant figures
You may find an example helpful.
Please note:
  • Wednesday, May 02, from 6:00 to 8:50pm NOT the usual period corresponding to your lecture time.
  • Except for conflicts with CS 1371, Physics will handle all other conflicts, even though standard policies might indicate otherwise
Students who notified Dr. Murray of a conflict have already been notified about alternative arrangements. If you have not yet checked the exam schedule for conflict with your other classes, please do so immediately and notify Dr. Murray by email if you have a conflict.
Apr 17
Homework for wk 14 Update
There will be no wk14a assignment, and the other wk14 assignments will be short. I suggest looking at Conceptual Questions 31.1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 in your text, and the Excercises for sections 31.3 & 5.
Apr 16
Homework for wk 14
Homework for wk 14 may be delayed due to a problem at ExpertTA. I'll make it available as soon as I can, and will insure grades are determined fairly. I apologize for any confusion this causes.
Apr 13
Reading Day Study Session
The Center for Academic Success is hosting a two-hour Intro Physics Study Session at 9am on Reading Day, Wednesday, April 25, in Clough 152. Try the Worksheet ahead of time!
Apr 10
Quiz #4 Results
Results for Quiz #4 are available in the Canvas gradebook. You will find
  • Q4 Score - Your grade on Quiz #4, as a percent.
  • Q4 Form - The form number you bubbled for Quiz #4. The form number determines what key is used to grade your Multiple Choice questions, so you can check this against the form number on your quiz after it is returned in recitation. This is obviously not a "grade", but the Canvas gradebook seemed like a reasonable place to provide this information.
  • Q4 FR I, etc. - Credit issued on each Free Response problem, as a percent.
  • Q4 MC 1, etc. - The choice you bubbled on each Multiple Choice question. These are obviously not "grades", too, but once again the Canvas gradebook seemed like a reasonable place to provide this information. After your quiz is returned in recitation, you can check these against what you circled, in case you think you may have mis-bubbled something. (You may ignore a "zero" that may appear next to the letter you chose.)
You will find correct answers to the multiple-choice questions, by form number, in a table "MC Answers" on the Quiz Solutions page.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded once it is returned in recitation, you should see Dr. Murray before the Final Exam is administered on Wednesday, May 02.
Apr 10
Public Lectures
Records for all five Public Lectures for "other" points are available in the Canvas Gradebook. A score of 100 indicates that your presence was recorded. One "other" point will be issued for attending two or more Public Lectures. Half a point will be issued for attending exactly one. Contact Dr. Murray if you spot any problems.
You may be interested in this upcoming talk: This is not a "Public Lecture" in the sense of earning "other" points. However, you should consider attending for the same reasons I trust you attended other public lectures—it's a great opportunity to hear something that should be very interesting.
Apr 09
Quiz #4
Quiz #4 will be administered on Tuesday, April 10, at 6:00pm, in Howey L4. Do NOT go to the regular lecture room! You may want to review the Quiz Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Remember that calculators that cannot store text may be used on the quizzes and final exam. Note that if your calculator keypad includes a complete alphabet, that's a very good sign that it cannot be used. Do not expect to be provided with an appropriate calculator if you do not bring your own.
Remember our expectations for your work on the free response problems, which are the same good problem-solving practices you should be using on the homework, anyway.
  • Units should be shown with any value that has a unit
  • Algebraic manipulations should be performed with symbols, not values
  • Consider, but do not obsess over, significant figures
You may find an example helpful.
Apr 02
Final Exam Period
The final exam period has been set by the Registrar's Office. The Final Exam for all PHYS 2212 sections will be administered Wednesday, May 02, from 6:00 to 8:50pm. A direct (Class I) conflict should be extremely unlikely, but it is possible to have three exams scheduled on the same day (a Class II conflict). Check the exam schedule for your other classes now, and contact Dr. Murray by email as soon as possible in you have a conflict. Please note:
  • Wednesday, May 02, from 6:00 to 8:50pm is NOT the usual period corresponding to your lecture time.
  • Except for conflicts with CS 1371, Physics will handle all other conflicts, even though standard policies might indicate otherwise
Final Exam format and locations will be announced as soon as they are determined.
Mar 14
Public Lectures
Records from the fourth Public Lectures, on Mar 12, are available in the Canvas Gradebook as "PL 03-12". A score of 100 indicates that your presence was recorded. Contact Dr. Murray if you spot any problems.
The remaining Public Lecture is Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint. Full credit (one "other" point) will be issued for attending two or more Public Lectures. Half credit will be issued for attending exactly one.
Mar 14
Quiz #3 Results
Results for Quiz #3 are available in the Canvas gradebook. You will find
  • Q3 Score - Your grade on Quiz #3, as a percent.
  • Q3 Form - The form number you bubbled for Quiz #3. The form number determines what key is used to grade your Multiple Choice questions, so you can check this against the form number on your quiz after it is returned in recitation. This is obviously not a "grade", but the Canvas gradebook seemed like a reasonable place to provide this information.
  • Q3 FR I, etc. - Credit issued on each Free Response problem, as a percent.
  • Q3 MC 1, etc. - The choice you bubbled on each Multiple Choice question. These are obviously not "grades", too, but once again the Canvas gradebook seemed like a reasonable place to provide this information. After your quiz is returned in recitation, you can check these against what you circled, in case you think you may have mis-bubbled something. (You may ignore a "zero" that may appear next to the letter you chose.)
You will find correct answers to the multiple-choice questions, by form number, in a table "MC Answers" on the Quiz Solutions page.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded once it is returned in recitation, you should see Dr. Murray before Quiz #4 is administered on Tuesday, Apr 10.
Mar 14
Quiz #3 Solutions and Results
Solutions to Quiz #3 have been posted.
Mar 06
Quiz #3
Quiz #3 will be administered on Tuesday, March 13, at 6:00pm, in Howey L4. Do NOT go to the regular lecture room! You may want to review the Quiz Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Remember that calculators that cannot store text may be used on the quizzes and final exam. Note that if your calculator keypad includes a complete alphabet, that's a very good sign that it cannot be used. Do not expect to be provided with an appropriate calculator if you do not bring your own.
Remember our expectations for your work on the free response problems, which are the same good problem-solving practices you should be using on the homework, anyway.
  • Units should be shown with any value that has a unit
  • Algebraic manipulations should be performed with symbols, not values
  • Consider, but do not obsess over, significant figures
You may find an example helpful.
Mar 06
Public Lectures
Records from the second and third Public Lectures, on Feb 13 and 26, are available in the Canvas Gradebook as "PL 02-13" and "PL 02-26". A score of 100 indicates that your presence was recorded. Contact Dr. Murray if you spot any problems.
The remaining Public Lectures are
A reminder of the remaining Public Lectures this semester: Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint. Full credit (one "other" point) will be issued for attending two or more Public Lectures. Half credit will be issued for attending exactly one.
Mar 01
Unofficial Mid Term Grades
Unofficial Mid Term Grades are available in the Canvas gradebook.
Feb 22
Remaining Public Lecture Schedule
A reminder of the remaining Public Lectures this semester: Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint. Full credit (one "other" point) will be issued for attending two or more Public Lectures. Half credit will be issued for attending exactly one.
Feb 22
Quiz #2 Results Second Update
The Canvas gradebook issue has been fixed.
Feb 22
Quiz #2 Results Update
The Canvas gradebook is not showing all MC responses. The missing responses appear to be random. Canvas Support is looking in to the issue. I apologize for any confusion this causes.
Feb 21
Quiz #2 Solutions and Results
Solutions to Quiz #2 have been posted.
Results for Quiz #2 are available in the Canvas gradebook. You will find
  • Q2 Score - Your grade on Quiz #2, as a percent.
  • Q2 Form - The form number you bubbled for Quiz #2. The form number determines what key is used to grade your Multiple Choice questions, so you can check this against the form number on your quiz after it is returned in recitation. This is obviously not a "grade", but the Canvas gradebook seemed like a reasonable place to provide this information.
  • Q2 FR I, etc. - Credit issued on each Free Response problem, as a percent.
  • Q2 MC 1, etc. - The choice you bubbled on each Multiple Choice question. These are obviously not "grades", too, but once again the Canvas gradebook seemed like a reasonable place to provide this information. After your quiz is returned in recitation, you can check these against what you circled, in case you think you may have mis-bubbled something. (You may ignore a "zero" that may appear next to the letter you chose.)
You will find correct answers to the multiple-choice questions, by form number, in a table "MC Answers" on the Quiz Solutions page.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded once it is returned in recitation, you should see Dr. Murray before Quiz #3 is administered on Tuesday, Mar 13.
Feb 16
Progress Reports
Progress Reports (Mid-Term Grades) have been sent to the Registrar.
Feb 14
Quiz #2
Quiz #2 will be administered on Tuesday, February 20, at 6:00pm, in Howey L4. Do NOT go to the regular lecture room! You may want to review the Quiz Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Remember that calculators that cannot store text may be used on the quizzes and final exam. Note that if your calculator keypad includes a complete alphabet, that's a very good sign that it cannot be used. Do not expect to be provided with an appropriate calculator if you do not bring your own.
Remember our expectations for your work on the free response problems, which are the same good problem-solving practices you should be using on the homework, anyway.
  • Units should be shown with any value that has a unit
  • Algebraic manipulations should be performed with symbols, not values
  • Consider, but do not obsess over, significant figures
You may find an example helpful.
Feb 14
Public Lectures
Records from the first Public Lecture, on Feb 05, are available in the Canvas Gradebook as "PL 02-05". A score of 100 indicates that your presence was recorded. Contact Dr. Murray if you spot any problems.
The second Public Lecture was last night, and the third one is coming up on Feb 26.
Feb 05
Quiz #1 Grades Corrected
An error the the quiz score calculation has been brought to my attention, and corrected scores have been posted to Canvas. Although this correction brings the class average up overall, individual students may find, unfortunately, that their own score has decreased. I apologize for my error.
Jan 31
Quiz #1 Solutions and Results
Solutions to Quiz #1 have been posted.
Results for Quiz #1 are available in the Canvas gradebook. You will find
  • Q1 Score - Your grade on Quiz #1, as a percent.
  • Q1 Form - The form number you bubbled for Quiz #1. The form number determines what key is used to grade your Multiple Choice questions, so you can check this against the form number on your quiz after it is returned in recitation. This is obviously not a "grade", but the Canvas gradebook seemed like a reasonable place to provide this information.
  • Q1 FR I, etc. - Credit issued on each Free Response problem, as a percent.
  • Q1 MC 1, etc. - The choice you bubbled on each Multiple Choice question. These are obviously not "grades", too, but once again the Canvas gradebook seemed like a reasonable place to provide this information. After your quiz is returned in recitation, you can check these against what you circled, in case you think you may have mis-bubbled something. (You may ignore a "zero" that may appear next to the letter you chose.)
You will find correct answers to the multiple-choice questions, by form number, in a table "MC Answers" on the Quiz Solutions page.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded once it is returned in recitation, you should see Dr. Murray before Quiz #2 is administered on Tuesday, Feb 20.
Jan 26
China Summer Program
The 2018 CSP will take place May 15 – July 29 in Shenzhen, the so-called Silicon Valley of China, adjacent to Hong Kong. (Shenzhen Overview video: http://youtu.be/u0mjOYoYOd8.)
The program will also travel to Beijing (including visiting the Great Wall) and Xi'An for cultural excursions. The following Georgia Tech courses will be taught on CSP-2018:
  • MSE 2001 - Principles and Applications of Engineering Materials
  • ECE 3710 - Circuits and Electronics
  • ISyE 3770 - Statistics and Applications
  • MGT 3660 - International Business
  • CHIN 1001 - Elementary Chinese I
  • CHIN 4813 - Chinese Culture and Civilization
  • HTS 3082 - Sociology of Science
  • LMC 3256 - Asian Filmmakers
Out-of-state students can save thousands of dollars on tuition by studying on this program!
Jan 26
Public Lecture Schedule
We have a schedule of Public Lectures for the semester: Credit will be based on attendance, recorded by TurningPoint. Full credit (one "other" point) will be issued for attending two or more Public Lectures. Half credit will be issued for attending exactly one.
Jan 24
Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering meets each Thursday at 11am in Van Leer C340.
Jan 23
Quiz #1
Quiz #1 will be administered on Tuesday, January 30, at 6:00pm, in Howey L4. Do NOT go to the regular lecture room! You may want to review the Quiz Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Remember that calculators that cannot store text may be used on the quizzes and final exam. Note that if your calculator keypad includes a complete alphabet, that's a very good sign that it cannot be used. Do not expect to be provided with an appropriate calculator if you do not bring your own.
Remember our expectations for your work on the free response problems, which are the same good problem-solving practices you should be using on the homework, anyway.
  • Units should be shown with any value that has a unit
  • Algebraic manipulations should be performed with symbols, not values
  • Consider, but do not obsess over, significant figures
You may find an example helpful.
Jan 23
Recitation
Solutions to the first recitation problem has been posted. This will be done after each recitation is complete, and so will not normally be announced.
Jan 22
Peer Note Taker
A peer note taker is needed for this class! Note takers support a peer's learning by providing clear and accurate notes as a record of lectures, labs, or recitations. Students with disabilities may struggle in taking notes for a variety of reasons; a peer note taker provides crucial support.
The main duties and responsibilities of a note taker include:
  • To ensure notes are clear and comprehensive; this requires either accurate typing or legible handwriting and the ability to extract all relevant and important information from lecture
  • To upload your notes within 48 hours of the class
  • To be mindful of the important role you play in assisting the learning of a fellow peer
  • To be responsive with the Office of Disability Services
  • To work in a professional, helpful, and flexible manner
Selected peer note takers will receive a stipend for each class for which they take notes; this stipend is awarded at the end of the semester and is predicated on thorough and consistent submission of notes.
If you are interested in being a peer note taker, please send an email with the subject line including your name, for example "Note Taker Needed for PHYS 2212 (G) - First Name Last Name" to notetaker@studentlife.gatech.edu.
Jan 12
Piazza
Piazza is now available as a Canvas module. Although I plan to monitor Piazza for inappropriate posts (people getting answers instead of getting help with physics, perhaps), I plan to answer few, if any, questions myself. Questions for me are still best sent by email.
Jan 12
Practice Class Participation Scores
Raw scores for questions polled in class on Friday, January 12, are available under CP 01-12 in the Canvas Gradebook. Since the first week is for practice, these points don't matter. If you see a non-zero score, you know that your account is active and your answers are being received. If you believe you have activated your TurningPoint account and answered questions in class that day, but are seeing scores of zero, or no scores at all, contact Dr. Murray.

First Day:

Cover of Text Text
Not surprisingly, all students will need a text. We'll be using Physics for Scientists and Engineers — A Strategic Approach (Fourth Edition) by Randall D. Knight.

Attendance
You may be interested in the distribution of course grades by class attendance in PHYS 2212 for more than 2500 students from Fall 2004, when the Knight text was adopted, through Spring 2008.

Students who attend class earn better grades

You should be aware that there is a wealth of historical data in the traditional introductory physics courses that clearly point out two winning strategies: go to class and do EXTRA homework. Please take some time to look over this data; you may be surprised at how much of a difference such efforts can make, popular myths to the contrary notwithstanding.

How to Earn an "A"
Students who earned a grade of "A" in some previous semesters were invited to provide suggestions for students this semester. If you want to know how they did it, and how (we hope) you can too, read their advice.