University Physics II
Undergraduate · Physics
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Electrostatics and circuits
- Electric charge, Coulomb's law, and electric fields
- Gauss's law and electric potential
- Capacitance and energy storage in electric fields
- Current, resistance, and Ohm's law
- DC circuits: series, parallel, and Kirchhoff's rules
Magnetism and induction
- Magnetic fields and forces on moving charges
- Biot–Savart and Ampère's law (symmetric cases)
- Faraday's law and Lenz's law
- Inductance and RL circuits
- AC circuits: reactance and resonance (introduction)
Optics and modern physics intro
- Geometric optics: reflection, refraction, and lenses
- Wave optics: interference and diffraction
- Electromagnetic waves and the spectrum
- Photoelectric effect and atomic spectra
- Special relativity and nuclear physics overview
STEM / applied
Electrical engineering connections
- RC and RL transient response in practical circuits
- Transformers and power distribution basics
- Semiconductor diode behavior (qualitative)
- Signal grounding and noise in measurements
- Multimeter and oscilloscope use in labs
Optical and imaging applications
- Lens design for cameras and microscopes
- Fiber optics and total internal reflection
- Laser principles and safety
- Spectroscopy in chemistry and materials labs
- Medical imaging modalities overview
Modern technology topics
- Solar cells and photovoltaic efficiency
- MRI and NMR context for magnetism
- Particle accelerators and radiation safety
- Data acquisition for E&M experiments
- Engineering units and SI prefixes in field problems
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Electrostatics and circuits
Electric fields, potential, capacitance, and DC circuit analysis
Coming soon - Magnetism and induction
Magnetic fields, Faraday's law, and AC circuit basics
Coming soon - Optics and modern physics intro
Geometric and wave optics plus modern physics overview
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common coverage in US university physics syllabi (OpenStax University Physics, Young & Freedman, and similar sequences). Exact order, depth, and applied emphasis vary by institution and instructor.