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| Unit name |
Core Physics C |
| Unit code |
PHYS11300 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
C/4
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Barnes |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Normally A-level Physics and A-level Mathematics |
| Co-requisites |
PHYS11100 |
| School/department |
School of Physics |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Science |
Description including Unit Aims
The unit builds on A-level Physics A2 and some aspects of Core Physics A - Fields, Oscillations and Waves and associated tutorials - to introduce new concepts and put those already taught on to a firm mathematical footing. Students will be brought up to a level of understanding and knowledge that will enable them to continue with studies in these areas in relevant year 2 Physics programmes.
Aims:
Oscillations and Waves:
- To introduce and provide examples of the use of complex numbers in oscillation and wave phenomena.
- To introduce the simple harmonic oscillator and its mathematical solution and to explore the effects of damping.
- To illustrate different forms of the wave equation, with specific examples for light and sound.
To discuss the principles governing the propagation of light and sound.
- To develop ideas of superposition and introduce the application of Fourier Analysis.
- To introduce and explain interference and diffraction phenomena.
- To introduce the laws governing refraction and reflection of light and to explore the mathematical formulation of geometrical optics.
- To introduce the Schrodinger wave equation for simple potentials, and to illustrate the similarities and differences between classical and quantum wave mechanics.
Fields:
- To provide clear explanations of the concept of a field and its mathematical description in physics.
- To introduce and explain the gravitational and electromagnetic fields.
- To describe properties of AC circuits.
Students will be brought to a level of understanding and knowledge that will enable them to continue with studies in these areas in relevant year 2 Physics programmes.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Oscillations and waves:
Students should be able:
- to write down the differential equation governing oscillatory motion, and solve simple problems concerning damped and un-damped simple harmonic oscillators.
- to write down the wave equation for longitudinal and transverse waves and solve simple problems of wave motion.
- to understand and be able to manipulate physical quantities expressed in complex variable notation.
- to understand the principles of wave superposition and Fourier Analysis and to be able to apply them to solving simple problems.
- to predict the diffraction patterns of simple optical systems.
- to understand and to be able to solve simple problems in geometric optics.
- to understand the operation and resolution criteria of optical instruments.
Fields:
Students should be able:
- to understand the concept of potential and to use it to solve simple problems.
- to understand vector fields and their mathematical description and to solve simple problems using them.
- to understand the mathematical relationship between the scalar potential and vector field for electrostatic and gravitational fields and to solve simple problems involving them using vector calculus.
- to understand and be able to use the Gauss and Coulomb Laws.
- to understand and be able to apply Kirchoffs laws to analyse simple circuits.
- to analyse simple AC circuits using complex variable notation.
Teaching Information
Lectures (41) and problems sheets in tutorials (8).
Assessment Information
Formative Assessment:
Tutorials (8) and problems classes
Problem sheets provide formative feedback.
Summative Assessment:
A final 2 hour examination (80%) and problem sheets (20%).
Reading and References
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers (6th Extended Edition with Modern Physics, Freeman)
- Mathematical Techniques: An Introduction for the Engineering, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences, Jordan and Smith
- Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences M. Boas
