School of Physics

Traditional Introductory Physics II
Electricity & Magnetism
PHYS 2212 K

Old Announcements

You are responsible for everything posted here.

Jul 18
Final Exam Location and Format
The final exam period has been set by the Registrar's Office. The Final Exam for PHYS 2212 K will be administered Wednesday, July 31, 8:00–10:50am, in the same locations used for the quizzes. If any student goes to the wrong room, it is likely that there will be insufficient seats and/or quiz forms in that room!
  • Family Names A–O - Boggs B5
  • Family Names P–Z - Boggs B9
You may want to review the Exam Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
The Final Exam will have three 16-point Free Response problems and sixteen 3¼-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 #3.
Remember that Quiz 5's from 2014 are available to help you prepare for material after Quiz #3.
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.
Jul 18
Quiz #3 Preliminary Results
Preliminary Results for Quiz #3 are available as a percent in the Canvas gradebook under Quiz #3 (preliminary).
The Gradescope link in the Canvas navigation menu will take you to Gradescope, where you will be able to see how you did on each Free Response problem and Multiple Choice question. Because the FR problems were graded as a percent, but the MC questions were graded as points, it was necessary to treat each student's quiz as if it were two quizzes in Gradescope, one with the FR problems and one with the MC questions. (The score posted in Canvas is your combined score.) Gradescope also shows you an internal code like ProbC d that is used to identify a particular question and its correct answer choice, despite the fact that it has a different question number on different versions of the quiz.
The question about current in an RL circuit (ProbF) went quite badly, and was converted to extra credit. If you wish to confirm your score in Cavas by your own calculation, find the points earned on each FR problem by multiplying the percentage score by the value (16 points), then add the points earned on all the MC questions other than ProbF. Divide the total by 0.92, then add any points earned on ProbF. Scores may exceed 100%.
Even with that adjustment, the quiz as a whole went quite badly. An opportunity to improve your quiz score (hence the preliminary) will be provided during the last class meeting on Monday, July 22.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded, you should contact Dr. Murray (the request regrade button in Gradescope is simplest, if that's your concern) before Monday, July 29.
Jul 16
Quiz #3 Solutions
Solutions to Quiz #3 have been posted. I hope to have scores available later this week.
Jul 11
Concept Test for Extra Credit
A Concept Test for extra credit will become available in Canvas at 11:59pm on Sunday, July 14. Note that it is timed—once you start it, you must finish in 60 minutes. The deadline for completion is 11:59pm Sunday, July 21.
Jul 08
Quiz #3
Quiz #3 will be administered in the lecture period on Monday, July 15. Students should go to the following rooms for this quiz, which are the same as for previous quizzes. If any student goes to the wrong room, it is likely that there will be insufficient seats and/or quiz forms in that room!
  • Family Names A–O - Boggs B5
  • Family Names P–Z - Boggs B9
You may want to review the Quiz Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Your quizzes will scanned into Gradescope for grading. To make this go more smoothly:
  • Write darkly and neatly. Blue or black ink is recommended. Do not make any erasures in your free-response work. Cross out anything you do not want evaluated. Box your answer.
  • Bubble your answers to the multiple-choice question on the front page.
  • The formula sheet is on the back of the front page. This page may be removed during the quiz if it makes things easier for you, but it must, of course, be submitted as it has your name and MC answers on it.
  • Initial the odd pages in the top margin, in case the pages of your quiz get separated.
  • If the page for a free-response problem has insuffcient space for your work, ask a proctor for an additional sheet. If you wish this work to be evaluated, put your name on the sheet and make a note on the problem page, so graders will know where to find your work.
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.
Jul 03
Final Exam Period
The final exam period has been set by the Registrar's Office. The Final Exam for PHYS 2212 K will be administered Wednesday, July 31, 8:00–10:50am. A direct (Class I) conflict should be extremely unlikely, but if you somehow manage to have one, notify Dr. Murray by email before Quiz #3 is administered on Monday, July 15. If you have a Class II conflict (three final exams on July 31), you should resolve it with the instructor of your course that has the 11:20am exam.
Final Exam format and locations (probably, but not yet officially, the same as the quiz rooms) will be announced as soon as they are determined.
Jun 27
Independence Day Week
Labs and Recitations WILL MEET in the week of Independence Day. If you ever find yourself wondering whether they are going to meet, remember that the Lab and Recitation schedules are posted.
Jun 25
Quiz #2 Results
Results for Quiz #2 are available as a percent in the Canvas gradebook under Quiz #2.
The Gradescope link in the Canvas navigation menu will take you to Gradescope, where you will be able to see how you did on each Free Response problem and Multiple Choice question. Because the FR problems were graded as a percent, but the MC questions were graded as points, it was necessary to treat each student's quiz as if it were two quizzes in Gradescope, one with the FR problems and one with the MC questions. (The score posted in Canvas is your combined score.) Gradescope also shows you an internal code like ProbC d that is used to identify a particular question and its correct answer choice, despite the fact that it has a different question number on different versions of the quiz.
The question about potential at various places near four point charges (ProbC) went quite badly, and was converted to extra credit. If you wish to confirm your score in Cavas by your own calculation, find the points earned on each FR problem by multiplying the percentage score by the value (16 points), then add the points earned on all the MC questions other than ProbF. Divide the total by 0.92, then add any points earned on ProbC. Scores may exceed 100%.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded, you should contact Dr. Murray (the request regrade button in Gradescope is simplest, if that's your concern) before Quiz #3 is administered on Monday, July 15.
Jun 24
Quiz #2 Solutions
Solutions to Quiz #2 have been posted. I hope to have scores available early this week.
Jun 14
Quiz #2
Quiz #2 will be administered in the lecture period on Friday, June 21. Students should go to the following rooms for this quiz, which are the same as for Quiz #1. If any student goes to the wrong room, it is likely that there will be insufficient seats and/or quiz forms in that room!
  • Family Names A–O - Boggs B5
  • Family Names P–Z - Boggs B9
You may want to review the Quiz Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Your quizzes will scanned into Gradescope for grading. To make this go more smoothly:
  • Write darkly and neatly. Blue or black ink is recommended. Do not make any erasures in your free-response work. Cross out anything you do not want evaluated. Box your answer.
  • Bubble your answers to the multiple-choice question on the front page.
  • The formula sheet is on the back of the front page. This page may be removed during the quiz if it makes things easier for you, but it must, of course, be submitted as it has your name and MC answers on it.
  • Initial the odd pages in the top margin, in case the pages of your quiz get separated.
  • If the page for a free-response problem has insuffcient space for your work, ask a proctor for an additional sheet. If you wish this work to be evaluated, put your name on the sheet and make a note on the problem page, so graders will know where to find your work.
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.
Jun 05
Quiz #1 Results
Results for Quiz #1 are available as a percent in the Canvas gradebook under Quiz #1.
The Gradescope link in the Canvas navigation menu will take you to Gradescope, where you will be able to see how you did on each Free Response problem and Multiple Choice question. Because the FR problems were graded as a percent, but the MC questions were graded as points, it was necessary to treat each student's quiz as if it were two quizzes in Gradescope, one with the FR problems and one with the MC questions. (The score posted in Canvas is your combined score.) Gradescope also shows you an internal code like ProbC d that is used to identify a particular question and its correct answer choice, despite the fact that it has a different question number on different versions of the quiz.
The question about the conductor with a void (ProbF) went very badly, and was converted to extra credit. If you wish to confirm your score in Cavas by your own calculation, find the points earned on each FR problem by multiplying the percentage score by the value (16 points), then add the points earned on all the MC questions other than ProbF. Divide the total by 0.92, then add any points earned on ProbF. Scores may exceed 100%.
If you have questions or concerns about how your quiz was graded, you should contact Dr. Murray (the request regrade button in Gradescope is simplest, if that's your concern) before Quiz #2 is administered on Friday, June 21.
Jun 05
Quiz #1 Solutions
Solutions to Quiz #1 have been posted. I hope to have scores available later this week.
May 29
Quiz #1
Quiz #1 will be administered in the lecture period on Wednesday, June 5. Students should go to the following rooms for this quiz. If any student goes to the wrong room, it is likely that there will be insufficient seats and/or quiz forms in that room!
  • Family Names A–O - Boggs B5
  • Family Names P–Z - Boggs B9
You may want to review the Quiz Rules. Don't forget your photo ID.
Your quizzes will scanned into Gradescope for grading. To make this go more smoothly:
  • Write darkly and neatly. Blue or black ink is recommended. Do not make any erasures in your free-response work. Cross out anything you do not want evaluated. Box your answer.
  • Bubble your answers to the multiple-choice question on the front page.
  • The formula sheet is on the back of the front page. This page may be removed during the quiz if it makes things easier for you, but it must, of course, be submitted as it has your name and MC answers on it.
  • Initial the odd pages in the top margin, in case the pages of your quiz get separated.
  • If the page for a free-response problem has insuffcient space for your work, ask a proctor for an additional sheet. If you wish this work to be evaluated, put your name on the sheet and make a note on the problem page, so graders will know where to find your work.
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.
May 29
MasteringPhysics Access
You should have received a code for permanent access to MasteringPhysics from me by email, including a link to instructions.
I've reset the deadline for all the hw02 assignments to 9:00am Thursday, May 30. For fairness, there will be no XC on hw02a, but I'll scale the XC at the end of the semester, so the full 2% will be available even without this one.
Let me know if you have any questions or encounter any difficulties.
Edit May 30: There will be extra credit for hw02a, after all. The only assignment whose extra credit would have been affected by the access issue was hw02c, but no extra credit would have been issued for it, anyway, due to the Memorial Day holiday. I apologize for the confusion.
May 28
MasteringPhysics Access
MasteringPhysics Free Trials have yet to be extended. I'll certainly change the due date for homework originally due on the 28th, but I'm afraid there's nothing I can do about e-book access. I apologize for the problem, and will let you know as soon as it's resolved.
May 24
Reading Question and Class Participation Scores
First week "practice" class participation scores have been removed from Canvas. "Real" Reading Question (RQ) and Class Participation (CP) scores from the second week are now available in the Canvas PostEm Tool. My plan is to update these about weekly.
May 24
Memorial Day Week
Labs and Recitations WILL MEET in the week of Memorial Day. If you ever find yourself wondering whether they are going to meet, remember that the Lab and Recitation schedules are posted.
May 23
Recitation
The solution to the first recitation problem has been posted. This will be done after each recitation is complete, and so will not normally be announced.
May 22
Homework Scores
Scores for the first week's homework, including extra credit for doing the Regular homework early, are available in the Canvas PostEm Tool. Note that extra credit will only appear in scores posted on Canvas, never in MasteringPhysics. Contact Dr. Murray if anything doesn't look right.
May 17
Practice Class Participation Scores
Scores for questions polled in class during the first week are available under 05-15 and 05-17 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 those days, but are seeing scores of zero, or no scores at all, contact Dr. Murray.
Note that my intent for the future is to post Class Participation Scores in the Canvas PostEm Tool, but it seems to be broken today.
May 13
MasteringPhysics
The MyLab and Mastering page in Canvas is working now. Contact Dr. Murray if you experience problems.

First Day:

Cover of Text Text
An e-text of Physics for Scientists and Engineers — A Strategic Approach (Fourth Edition) by Randall D. Knight will be provided with MasteringPhysics. If you wish to purchase a hard copy,

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.