Course detail
Physics 2
FEKT-BPC-FY2AAcad. year: 2025/2026
The course Physics 2 is closely linked with the course Physics 1. Within the framework of this course the student will learn foundations of the theory of waves. The subjects of the following section are particular types of waves – electromagnetic waves and optics. Following topic will give to the students basic insight into the foundations of thermodynamics. Quantum mechanics and its application in the laser theory and the band theory of solids, basis of nuclear physics and physics application in medicine will complete the student´s general education in physics.
Seminars correspond to lectures and develop student’s ability to solve particular physical problems.
The knowledge gained in this course will help students to understand problems they can meet during the studies of other disciplines.
Language of instruction
Number of ECTS credits
Mode of study
Guarantor
Department
Entry knowledge
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
- Seminars, up to 15 pts. (3 written tests up to 5 pts.)
To qualify for final examination it is necessary to gain at least 12 points and to complete all laboratory measurements.
- Final examination, up to 65 pts.
Written test only, it consists from 5 parts: A -Oscillations, Waves, B - Optics, C - Thermodynamics, D – Modern Physics, E – Test questions. To pass the exam it is necessary to gain at least 5 points in each of parts A – D.
The content and forms of instruction in the evaluated course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and updated for every academic year.
Aims
- To develop problem solving skills
Graduates in the subject are able to
- explain properties of travelling and standing harmonic waves, illustrate the Doppler effect
- define properties of electromagnetic waves, characterize polarization
- demonstrate basic principles of geometrical optics, recognize the laws of reflection and refraction
- describe interference of light, demonstrate various examples
- explain principles of diffraction, characterize diffraction gratings, define principles of holography
- formulate basic laws of thermodynamics, describe heat engines and pumps
- explain basic concept of the kinetic theory of gases
- characterize photoelectric effect, Compton shift, photons and matter waves
- formulate Schrödinger equation, describe barrier tunnelling, quantum traps, and hydrogen atom
- characterize spontaneous and stimulated emission, describe principles of lasers
- recognize basic principles of band theory of solids
- explain radioactive decay
- describe principles of X-ray diagnostics and magnetic resonance imaging
- solve basic problems in classical and quantum physics
Study aids
Prerequisites and corequisites
Basic literature
Halliday D., Resnick R., Walker J.: Fyzika Vysoké učení technické v Brně, Vutium, Brno, 2014, Překlad 8. orig. vydání (CS)
Halliday D., Resnick R., Walker J.: Fyzika Vysoké učení technické v Brně Vutium, Prometheus Praha, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2014 (CS)
Halliday D., Resnick R., Walker J.: Fyzika, 2. vydání, VUTIUM, Brno, 2013, dotisk 2019 (CS)
Kheilová,M.,Liedermann,K,Tománek,P.,Zdražil,V: Kmity, Vlny, Optika, Termodynamika, Moderní fyzika E-text (CS)
Recommended reading
Lepil O., Bednařík M., Hýblová R.: Fyzika pro střední školy 1. díl, Prometheus, Praha, 2012 (CS)
Lepil O., Bednařík M., Hýblová R.: Fyzika pro střední školy 2. díl, Prometheus, Praha, 2012 (CS)
Serway R., A.: Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics Saunders College Publishing, Philadelphia, London,..., 1996 (EN)
Classification of course in study plans
- Programme BPC-BTB Bachelor's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
Type of course unit
Lecture
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
Superposition and Interference of Harmonic Waves, Standing Waves. Sound Waves. The Doppler Effect.
The Nature of Light. The Laws of Geometric Optics: Reflection and Refraction. Fundamentals of Fiber Optics.
Interference of Light Waves: Conditions for Interference, Young´s Double-slit Experiment, Interference in Thin Films.
Single-slit Diffraction, the Diffraction Grating. Polarization of Light. Holography.
Temperature, Thermal Expansion, Heat, Specific Heats.
The First Law of Thermodynamics. Some Applications of the First Law.
Heat transfer, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, Heat Engines and Pumps.
The Limits of Classical Physics.
The Quantization of Energy, Absorption, Stimulated and Spontaneous Emission. Lasers.
The Crystal Structures of Solids. The Band Theory of Solids. Conduction in Metals, Insulators, and Semiconductors. Superconduction.
Nuclear Physics. Propertes of Nucleus, Nuclear Models, Radioactive Decay.
Physics Application in Medicine. Lasers, X rays, CT, Gamma rays.
Exercise in computer lab
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
Traveling Harmonic Waves, Standing Waves.
Reflection and Refraction of Light. Interference of Light.
Diffraction and Polarization of Light.
Heat and Work in Thermodynamic Processes. The First Law of Thermodynamics.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics, Heat Engines, and Pumps.
Blackbody Radiation, the Photoelectric Effect, Emission and Absorption.
Barrier tunneling, particle in a box.
Laboratory exercise
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
Thermodynamics experiments, Stirling's motor
Temperature radiation, Stefan-Boltzman's law
Photoelectric effect, Planck's constant
X-ray experiments
Radioactivity experiments