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PHYS213

PHYS213 (University Physics: Thermal Physics) is a 2-credit hour, 8-week long course that is required for ECE majors as a part of the Foundational Mathematics and Science requirement.

Who Should Take the Exam

For students who have a solid physics background or who want to finish the class early, they should take the proficiency exam. There is no penalty for failing the PHYS213 proficiency exam. If you fail the exam, you can still take the class.

Content Covered

  • Equilibrium and entropy
  • Heat and temperature
  • Ideal gases
  • Heat capacity
  • Thermodynamic/Reversible processes
  • Boltzmann factor
  • Helmholtz/Gibbs free energy

Exam Format

The exam consists of multiple choice questions given through Prairietest at CBTF. The content is similar to that of the class's final exams. The assigned grade is Pass or Fail. An 80% score is required to receive a passing grade. A electronic formula sheet will be given in the exam. The exam is also used as a makeup exam for students who missed the final exam in a previous semester.

How to Prepare

Lecture recordings are available on media space. Register for the PHYS213 proficiency exam through Physics department's proficiency exam website. A few weeks before the proficiency exam, you will find a class on PrairieLearn labeled "PHYS 213: Thermal Physics, PHYS 213 Study Exams." The study exams on PrarieLearn are very similar to the actual exam. They are the best tool to study.

Life After

Students who wish to go more in depth into thermal physics should take the undergraduate course in statistical mechanics, PHYS427 - Thermal and Statistical Physics. You may also want to take a look at the PHYS214 proficiency exam. PHYS214 is another 2-credit hour, 8-week long required class for ECE majors. It's typically taken in the same semester as PHYS213.

If you didn't pass the PHYS213 proficiency exam, don't take it as a reflection of your skills. Your efforts to study the material before the semester will pay dividends and you will have an easier time than other students taking PHYS213.