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Physics 102 - Electric Potential and DC Circuits

This second course serves as an introduction to the physics of electricity and magnetism. Upon completion, learners will understand how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe fields and how these fields are related to electrical circuits. Learners will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus. This second course covers Electric Potential, Capacitance, Current, Resistors, and DC Circuits. Each of the two modules contains reading links to a free textbook, complete video lectures, conceptual quizzes, and a set of homework problems. Once the modules are completed, the course ends with an exam. This comprehensive course is similar in detail and rigor to those taught on-campus at Rice. It will thoroughly prepare learners for their upcoming introductory physics courses or more advanced courses in physics.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Electric Potential & Capacitors

Circuits

Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a firm understanding of basic concepts in electricity and magnetism, preparing learners for more advanced topics

Offers a comprehensive coverage of Electrical Potential, Capacitance, Current, Resistors, and DC Circuits

Utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including video lectures, conceptual quizzes, homework problems, and an exam, to enhance learner engagement and understanding

Employs graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus to solve physics problems, strengthening learners' analytical skills

Taught by Jason Hafner from Rice University, known for its strong physics program

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Physics 102 - Electric Potential and DC Circuits with these activities:

Find and watch YouTube videos on the topics covered in the course.

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Watching YouTube videos can help you reinforce your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

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Search for YouTube videos on the topics covered in the course.
Watch the videos and take notes on the key points.
Review your notes and try to apply the concepts to practice problems.

Practice solving electric potential problems

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Solving problems will help you understand the concepts of electric potential and how to apply them.

Browse courses on Electric Potential

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Review the lecture on electric potential.
Identify the given information in the problem.
Apply the appropriate formula to solve for the unknown.
Check your answer to make sure it makes sense.

Practice solving capacitance problems

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Solving problems will help you understand the concepts of capacitance and how to apply them.

Browse courses on Capacitance

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Review the lecture on capacitance.
Identify the given information in the problem.
Apply the appropriate formula to solve for the unknown.
Check your answer to make sure it makes sense.

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Practice solving current problems

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Solving problems will help you understand the concepts of current and how to apply them.

Browse courses on Current

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Review the lecture on current.
Identify the given information in the problem.
Apply the appropriate formula to solve for the unknown.
Check your answer to make sure it makes sense.

Practice solving resistor problems

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Solving problems will help you understand the concepts of resistors and how to apply them.

Browse courses on Resistors

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Review the lecture on resistors.
Identify the given information in the problem.
Apply the appropriate formula to solve for the unknown.
Check your answer to make sure it makes sense.

Practice solving DC circuits problems

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Solving problems will help you understand the concepts of DC circuits and how to apply them.

Browse courses on DC Circuits

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Review the lecture on DC circuits.
Identify the given information in the problem.
Apply the appropriate formula to solve for the unknown.
Check your answer to make sure it makes sense.

Create a concept map of the topics covered in the course.

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Creating a concept map will help you identify the relationships between the different topics and how they all fit together.

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Brainstorm a list of the key concepts covered in the course.
Arrange the concepts in a hierarchical structure.
Draw lines to connect the concepts and label the lines with the relationships between the concepts.

Build a simple circuit that demonstrates the concepts of electricity and magnetism.

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Building a circuit will help you apply the concepts you've learned in the course and see how they work in practice.

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Gather the necessary materials.
Follow the instructions to build the circuit.
Test the circuit to make sure it works.

Career center

Learners who complete Physics 102 - Electric Potential and DC Circuits will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing electrical systems, including those used in power generation, transmission, and distribution. They also work on electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones, and medical equipment. This course would provide a good foundation for a career in electrical engineering, as it covers the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course would also help students develop problem-solving skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Electronics Engineer

Electronics engineers design and develop electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones, and medical equipment. They also work on the systems that control these devices. This course would provide a good foundation for a career in electronics engineering, as it covers the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course would also help students develop problem-solving skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer hardware engineers design and develop the physical components of computers, such as processors, memory, and storage devices. They also work on the systems that connect these components together. This course would provide a good foundation for a career in computer hardware engineering, as it covers the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course would also help students develop problem-solving skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Physics Teacher

Physics teachers teach the principles of physics to students at the high school or college level. They may also develop and conduct laboratory experiments, and help students with their homework and projects. This course would provide a good foundation for a career as a physics teacher, as it covers the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course would also help students develop problem-solving skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physics Teacher

Science Writer

Science writers communicate complex scientific concepts to a general audience. They may write for newspapers, magazines, or websites. This course would provide a good foundation for a career as a science writer, as it would help students develop a strong understanding of the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course would also help students develop writing and communication skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Technical Writer

Technical writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical concepts. They may work for a variety of industries, such as software, engineering, and manufacturing. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as a technical writer, as it would provide a good foundation in the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course may also help students develop writing and communication skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Patent Attorney

Patent attorneys help inventors obtain patents for their inventions. They also advise clients on patent law and infringement issues. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as a patent attorney, as it would provide a good foundation in the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course may also help students develop problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

Sales Engineer

Sales engineers sell technical products and services to businesses. They work with customers to identify their needs and recommend solutions. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as a sales engineer, as it would provide a good foundation in the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course may also help students develop communication and presentation skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

Product Manager

Product managers are responsible for the development and marketing of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to bring new products to market. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as a product manager, as it would provide a good foundation in the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course may also help students develop problem-solving and communication skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Investment Banker

Investment bankers help businesses raise capital and advise them on mergers and acquisitions. They work with a variety of clients, such as corporations, governments, and non-profit organizations. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as an investment banker, as it would provide a good foundation in the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course may also help students develop problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Business Analyst

Business analysts help businesses improve their operations and efficiency. They analyze business processes and make recommendations for improvement. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as a business analyst, as it would provide a good foundation in the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course may also help students develop problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts provide research and analysis on stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. They work with a variety of clients, such as investment managers, pension funds, and hedge funds. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as a financial analyst, as it would provide a good foundation in the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course may also help students develop problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. They may work in a variety of fields, such as management, finance, and technology. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as a consultant, as it would provide a good foundation in the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course may also help students develop problem-solving and communication skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to assess risk and uncertainty. They work in a variety of fields, such as insurance, finance, and healthcare. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as an actuary, as it would provide a good foundation in the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course may also help students develop problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Data Scientist

Data scientists use data to solve business problems. They work with a variety of data sources, such as structured data, unstructured data, and big data. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as a data scientist, as it would provide a good foundation in the basics of electricity and magnetism. The course may also help students develop problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Physics 102 - Electric Potential and DC Circuits.

Fundamentals of Electric Circuits

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of electric circuits. It classic textbook commonly used in introductory courses on electric circuits at academic institutions. The book covers a wide range of topics, including circuit analysis techniques, network theorems, and AC circuits.

Physics 102 - Electric Potential and DC Circuits

What's inside

Syllabus

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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