Physics 113 - Living Physics II

Living Physics II

Spring
2026
01
4.00
Candice M Etson

M 3:05 PM - 4:20 PM; W 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Smith College
PHY-113-01-202603
McConnell 204
cetson@smith.edu
Second semester of an algebra-based introductory physics course with an emphasis on biological and chemical systems. Topics include: thermal energy, enthalpy and Gibbs free energy; probability and the Boltzmann distribution; electric fields, capacitance and potential differences across cell membranes; electric currents and charge flow, including electrical properties of nerve cells; oscillations and waves, including biochemical oscillations; the ray model of light and optics; the wave model of light and the electromagnetic spectrum; the photon model of light, including fluorescence. This course includes a full lab component, as well as in-class mathematics review with a focus on the use of math in the physical world (physical modeling.) Prerequisite: PHY 111. Enrollment limited to 28. (E)

[CE] PHY 111

Multiple required components--lab and/or discussion section. To register, submit requests for all components simultaneously.

Must take Lecture, Laboratory

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.
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