Fundamentals of Physics II continues from PHYS 121 into heat, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics — thermodynamics through nuclear decay.
What PHYS 122 covers
(A continuation of PHYS 121. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) Prerequisite: PHYS 121. An exploration of heat, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics.
The aim is to apply the laws of physics to a broad range of physical phenomena. Topics include the laws of thermodynamics, ideal gas law, Coulomb's law, electric field and potential, Ohm's law, magnetic field and force, Ampere's law, Faraday's law, electromagnetic waves, sound, optics, Bohr's model of the atom, radioactivity, and nuclear decay.
Typical PHYS 122 assignments
Expect a problem set requiring you to apply a specific law of physics (such as Ohm's law or Faraday's law) to a real physical phenomenon involving electricity, magnetism, or modern physics.
Key topics in PHYS 122
- Thermodynamics and the ideal gas law
- Electricity and magnetism (Coulomb's, Ohm's, Faraday's laws)
- Optics and electromagnetic waves
- Modern physics: Bohr's model and nuclear decay
Writing tips for PHYS 122
Follow the assignment instructions and rubric line by line
UMGC assignments for PHYS 122 are graded against a specific rubric or grading criteria your instructor provides — every requirement has to be visibly addressed. Skipping a requirement because it seems minor is one of the most common reasons a strong submission loses points.
Show your quantitative work, not just the final answer
PHYS 122 is graded on the method, not just the final numeric answer — skipping intermediate calculations or the underlying physical/chemical reasoning is one of the fastest ways to lose points, even when the final answer is correct.
Connect the physical principle to a real-world application
UMGC's lab science courses consistently grade whether you can connect the underlying physical or chemical principle to a real-world application or scenario — a correct calculation that stays purely abstract is missing a piece the rubric typically wants.
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Why students seek help with PHYS 122
Students sometimes apply a physics law mechanically without connecting it to the specific real phenomenon PHYS 122 requires explaining — the rubric typically wants that phenomenon-level connection shown, not formula substitution alone.
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PHYS 122 requires PHYS 121 (Fundamentals of Physics I), and fulfills the laboratory science requirement as a continuation of that course.
Related courses
Frequently asked questions
PHYS 122 requires PHYS 121 (Fundamentals of Physics I), of which it is a direct continuation.
Heat, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics — including thermodynamics, Coulomb's and Ohm's laws, electromagnetic waves, and nuclear decay.