May 30, 2026  
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year) 
    
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year)
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PH 126 - College Physics II


Description
This is the second semester of a basic algebra/trig non-calculus course sequence in general physics for non-physical science majors. It includes the study of waves, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and topics in modern physics.  Much of the focus of the electromagnetism portion of the class is on understanding electronic circuits and their components.  As with PH 125 , the prerequisite course for Physics 126, this course uses math in problem solving, including the math skills consistent with high school Algebra 2 and basic trigonometry throughout the semester.
Credit Hours: 5
Contact Hours: 7
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: PH 125  (D- or Higher)
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Course Fees: $5.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Electronics Engineering Technology Certificate, Pre-Anthropology, A.A. (General Transfer), Pre-Biological Laboratory Science, A.A. (3+1, Davenport University), Pre-Biochemistry, A.A. (General Transfer), Pre-Cell and Molecular Biology, A.A. (General Transfer), Pre-Computer Science, A.S. (General Transfer), Pre-Engineering Design Technology, A.A. (Western Michigan University), Pre-Engineering Management Technology, A.A. (Western Michigan University), Pre-Exercise Science, A.A. (Western Michigan University - Clinical Exercise Science), Pre-Geology, A.A. (General Transfer), Pre-Manufacturing Engineering Technology, A.A. (Western Michigan University),
General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
 

  1. Identify frequency, wavelength, period, and velocities of wave phenomena.
  2. Analyze standing wave situations involving strings, tubes, and enclosures.
  3. Calculate the forces between simple electric charge distributions and the electric fields around them.
  4. Solve energy and motion problems involving electric charges and voltages.
  5. Solve D.C. circuit problems involving series and parallel resistances or Kirchoff ‘s laws.
  6. Calculate the magnetic forces and fields associated with magnets and currents.
  7. Make calculations and predictions based on Faraday’s law of induction.
  8. Calculate the effect of resistors, capacitors and inductors in series A.C. circuits.
  9. Determine the location and size of images in mirror and lens systems and use them to explain the basic properties of cameras, telescopes, and microscopes.
  10. Identify and calculate results associated with simple interference and diffraction patterns.
  11. Use electronic instruments such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters to make electrical measurements.
  12. Construct graphs and use them to analyze data.
  13. Use rules or frameworks to provide context for and understand problems or issues. 
  14. Complete work accurately with attention to detail. 

Course Outline:
I. Vibration, Waves, and Sound

A. Resonance

B. Intensity and the Decibel Scale

C. Standing Waves and Musical Instruments

II. Electromagnetism

A. Electrostatic Forces and Fields

B. Electric Potential Energy and Voltage

C. D.C. Electric Circuits

    1. Resistors in Series and Parallel

    2. Capacitors in Series and Parallel

    3. Kirchoff’s Laws

    4. RC Circuits

D. Magnetism

    1. Magnetic Fields

    2. Currents and Magnetic Forces

E. Induction

F. Alternating Current

    1. Frequency Effects

    2. Phase Effects

    3. Series Resonance

    4. Transformers

G. Maxwell’s Equation

    1. Displacement Current

    2. The Electromagnetic Spectrum

III Optics

A. Reflection and Refraction

B. Lenses and Mirrors

C. Optical Instruments

D. Physical Optics

IV Modern Physics

A. Wave-Particle Duality

B. Quantum Wave Mechanics

    1. Atomic Physics

    2. Nuclear Physics

    3. Particle Physics


Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 20-60%

Lab group work and hands-on activities: 30-50%

Questions and discussion: 10-30%

Mediated instruction (video/computer): 0-20%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None


Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: Yes
AP Min. Score: 4
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: N/A
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None
Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 4
Total Lab Hours Per Week: 3
People Soft Course ID Number: 101112
Course CIP Code: 04.08
Maximum Course Enrollment: 40
General Room Request: Lecture - Room 403 or 405 Science Lab - Room 435 Science
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA


School: School of STEM
Department: Physical Sciences
Discipline: PH
First Term Valid: Fall 2019 (8/1/2019)
1st Catalog Year: 2019-2020
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Other (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
In addition to the qualifications to teach college physics, a MS or Ph.D. in physics or a related area, an instructor in PH 126 should have a specific understanding of the equipment and facilities available for use in the PH 126 laboratory.
Major Course Revisions: N/A
Last Revision Date Effective: 20240226T10:41:11
Course Review & Revision Year: 2028-2029



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