Exam II
Introduction to Physics (PHSX 1010)
Adam Johnston

DUE: Thursday, December 11th; 10:00 AM

Instructions: Completely answer TWO of the following questions as completely as possible.  Your answers should be written (preferably typed) in a coherent essay, approximately one-page (double-spaced) per question.  Grading for each question will be based on the rubric found on the back of this page.

You may pick up your exam as early as 12:00 Noon on Monday, December 15th.  Alternatively, you may attach a self-addressed and stamped envelope if you would like your exam mailed back to you.

 

 

1.      Admittedly, the theory of special relativity is weird and goes against common sense.  Why, then, did we develop it?  Explain why special relativity is a necessary explanation of how Nature works, focusing on a problem that can NOT be explained without it. 

2.      Admittedly, quantum mechanics is weird and goes against common sense.  Why, then, did we develop it?  Explain why quantum mechanics is a necessary explanation of how Nature works, focusing on a problem that can NOT be explained without it.

3.      In physics, one of the most fundamental rules is “conservation of energy”.  In addition, we have the “2nd law of thermodynamics.”  Although the “2nd law” does not replace the concept of conservation of energy, it does significantly enhance it and it further describes the nature of the universe.   Describe and explain what the “2nd law” adds to our understanding of how Nature works.

4.      Consider all of the “revolutions” we have studied in physics this semester.  (Each of these is characterized by a single chapter in the text.)  Explain which of these has been the most significant for science, and justify your explanation.

 

 

Grading rubric for exam questions

There are many levels of having a “right” answer.  This rubric should give you an idea of what these different levels are and how they correspond to different grades for exam questions.

Description:

Score:

Grade:

This question was answered with an extraordinary amount of effort, insight, and clarity.  Not only was the answer exactly correct, explained, and justified, it may have gone to a depth that was beyond what is normally expected for this course.  This score is received on a small minority of answers.

5

A+

This question was answered accurately and completely.  Any errors in this answer are minor.  Generally this score is received for answers which are clear, concise, and exactly accurate.  An answer receiving this score is reflective and refers to specific details of the course and/or text and represents these details accurately.  The answer has been explained in the student’s own words and would be understandable to a peer.

4

A

This was a good answer to the question.  It is complete and generally accurate; and, though it might contain errors, the overall idea is correct.  This answer shows a fair amount of thought and uses some relevant material from the course and/or text.  Even if there are some details that are left out, it is clear from this answer that the student has a good understanding of the question being addressed.

3

B

This answer is mostly complete, but it might be missing an important point.  The answer might be vague, even though it is addressing the question; or, this answer might reflect a misunderstanding of some concept, even though the answer is headed in the right direction.   This answer is generally not as concise and focused as answers that receive higher scores.

2

C

This answer probably has some major flaws.  The answer either shows a large misunderstanding or it is very unclear.

1

D

This question was not completed, or did not satisfy enough requirements to receive credit.

0

0