Phillips Exeter Academy

Advanced Physics

PHY510/520/530

Advanced Physics

This sequence of courses is offered fall (PHY510), winter (PHY520) and spring (PHY530). This three-term sequence is taken as a second year of physics. In the first term, an emphasis is placed on synthesizing a variety of fundamental topics into a coherent whole. Topics include linear and rotational kinematics, dynamics including torque, energy conservation, linear and angular momentum conservation, and gravitation. Students will study a number of complex situations, performing in-depth laboratory experiments, and calculus-based theoretical analysis. In the second term, students study electricity and magnetism – making extensive use of experimental results and of calculus – with electric field and potential being the unifying concepts. In the third term, students finish the study of magnetism, including Maxwell’s equations. Finally, they study oscillatory phenomena, including both mechanical and electrical systems. After taking this three-term sequence, students will be able to take the Physics C Advanced Placement examinations in Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism.