Tuesday, February 2, 2010

PH253: Exam 1

Exam 1 is coming up in 2 weeks, 16 Feb 2010. Here's what it will cover:

Sects. 1.1-3, 5 (Relativity, excluding 1.4)
Sects. 2.1-3 (quantum hypothesis, photoelectric, photons)
Sections we did not cover in class which you are responsible for: 2.1.7, 2.2.4, 2.3.1

The material we cover for the next 3 classes will mostly not be on the test. Specifically, it will not cover 2.4. The format of the exam will be 5 problems (i.e., solve, no multiple choice), you pick any 4 to solve. Put another way, I'll give you 5 problems, you can skip any one of them you like.

I will provide a formula sheet with all relevant constants and basic formulas which should be enough to solve all problems. Additionally, you are allowed to bring in a single 8.5x11 inch sheet of paper with your own notes, formulas, etc. -- anything you want, really. Front and back sides are allowed, I will allow two sheets with only a single side if you prefer that. You are additionally allowed writing implements and a calculator (i.e., not a cell phone or any network-enabled device). You can feel free to program your calculator in arbitrary ways, however, just no internet or peer-to-peer communication.

More details and sample problems will follow in the next week. For now, I suggest reading the chapters and homework solutions.

8 comments:

  1. Would you be able to post a copy of the formula sheet that you will be providing before the test? I only ask so that I won't have repeated information on my additional sheet.

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  2. Definitely. I will try to have a draft of it up by the middle of next week some time so you know what you don't need to put on your own sheet.

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  3. Does the cheat sheet have to be handwritten?

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  4. No, it doesn't have to be handwritten. The only real specification is the paper size.

    I will suggest to you, however, that the act of making the formula sheet (typed or not) can be a hugely beneficial way to study. Grabbing someone else's formula sheet is only going to lull you into a false sense of preparedness.

    Also, when a professor is willing to let you use a formula sheet: probably a trap. It is usually a sign that formulas alone are not going to help much, but understanding will be required.

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  5. When will the cheat sheet be available?

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  6. I hope to have the formula sheet out Tuesday night or Wednesday mid-day.

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  7. I am belatedly enjoying the play between Dr. LeClair's `formula sheet' and Anonymous's `cheat sheet'.

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