Prerequisites | Exam #1 | Exam #2 | Exam #3
Prerequisites | Exam #1 | Exam #2 | Exam #3
Learning objectives are statements of tasks that a student should be able to accomplish at a particular point in the course. The textbook, Connexions readings, lectures, and laboratories will cover a great deal more material than I can reasonably expect you to retain at the forefront of your memory, although I do hope you will remember that you have been exposed to the topics we cover, and where to go to refresh your memory. Several times during the course I will give you lists of learning objectives that describe the skills that I particularly expect you to be able to apply (such as on an exam). Topics not listed are important, but they are just are not as important, in my opinion. I expect that you will learn some things that are not on the lists, and that is a bonus. But by concentrating your study time on the listed learning objectives, you can efficiently focus the time you have to spend on this course on those concepts and skills that I consider fundamental to the course.
MATH 102; PHYS 102, in particular, an understanding of, and ability to analyze, basic R-L-C circuits. This material is covered in Chapters 26, 27, and 32 of the PHYS 102 text (Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Fisbane, Gasiorowicz, and Thornton), and in Chapters 1-3 of the course text. In particular, you should be able to:
1. Solve a system of linear algebraic equations, using, if necessary, matrix methods (Cramer's Rule).
2. Differentiate and integrate simple expressions and functions.
3. Perform algebraic manipulations and combinations of complex numbers.
4. Use Euler's rule and transform complex numbers from Cartesian coordinate form to polar form, and graph them in the complex plane. See Appendix A of the text.
5. Define the primary electrical quantities, along with their common units and symbols, such as current, voltage, resistance, inductance, and capacitance.
6. Define the voltage-current (V-I) characteristics of the passive, ideal, linear circuit elements: resistors, capacitors, inductors, and sources.
7. Identify the principal structures of electrical circuits, such as nodes, loops, meshes, and branches.
8. Use Ohm's Law to calculate dc currents and/or voltages in simple resistor circuits, such as a voltage divider or a current divider.
9. Calculate the equivalent resistance, capacitance, or inductance of elements in series, parallel, or series-parallel combinations.
10. Sketch the transient time behavior of the current or voltage in a simple RC or RL circuit, and calculate the initial and final conditions.
