Physics 5B

Physics 5B is the second course in the introductory Physics 5 sequence, which is the physics major-oriented "honors" introductory physics sequence. It is a three unit course.

Overview

Physics 5B is an introductory electromagnetism course which explores Maxwell’s equations relating electric and magnetic fields to charge and current distributions. The class also explores the wave equation and foundational optics, including topics such as geometric optics and interference. Physics 5B is a difficult class primarily directed towards physics majors, although physics-passionate non-majors are welcome. While Physics 7B also fulfills the lower division electromagnetism requirement, Physics 5B is very recommended for physics students looking for success in upper division courses and beyond.

Prerequisites

Physics 5A or Physics 7A, Math 53 may be taken concurrently.

Student Comments

“LEARN SUPERPOSITION.” – anonymous

“The vast majority of this course is about electricity and magnetism but in a very challenging way. The last three weeks is waves and optics (Snell’s Law). The questions on problem sets and exams will be significantly harder than the ones you see on Physics C Electricity and Magnetism. Lots of multivariable calculus will be required. Recommended for people who have taken Physics 5A and have Physics C AP background.” – Andrew Hsu, undergraduate physics/astrophysics

“Physics 5B is an excellent but challenging class covering the basics of electricity and magnetism as well as waves and optics. Compared with 7B, 5B covers more material and in greater depth, meaning that it moves much faster and is generally more difficult and time-consuming; in exchange, you will achieve a deeper conceptual understanding by taking 5B and you will have more exposure to ‘thinking like a physicist.’ Students have much greater access to the professor in 5B but actually receive more individual attention overall in 7B, since time with the GSI per week is 4 hours (plus office hours) for 7B, versus 1 hour (plus office hours) for 5B, and the sections for 7B are usually smaller. 5B is very much aimed at likely physics majors, which means that the professor may assume that it is one of the highest priorities among your courses for the semester. If the class is not, in fact, a high priority, then 7B might be a better choice; even if you later decide to major in physics, it is absolutely possible to succeed having taken 7B. On the other hand, if the class is a high priority (because you plan to major in physics, or because that’s a strong possibility, or because you just find physics really exciting to study) and you are willing to put in the time, you will get a lot out of 5B and it is likely worth giving it a try. It is also worth noting that, unlike with 7B, the difficulty and workload of 5B will vary tremendously with the instructor and GSI(s). Finally, don’t be afraid to go meet with said instructor/GSI(s)—they can help you decide whether 5B or 7B is a better option based on your individual background and priorities.” – Physics 5B GSI