Module PHYS1131: FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS B

Department: PHYSICS

PHYS1131: FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS B

Prerequisites

• A-Level Physics and A-Level or AS-Level Mathematics.

Corequisites

• Either Single Mathematics A (MATH1561) and Single Mathematics B (MATH1571) or Core Mathematics A (MATH1012) or Maths for Engineers and Scientists (MATH1551).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Foundations of Physics 1 (PHYS1122), Fundamental Physics A (PHYS1111).

Aims

• The module introduces basic concepts in wave phenomena, electricity and magnetism, and quantum mechanics.
• It is a subset of the double module Foundations of Physics 1, excluding the courses on Newtonian mechanics, special relativity, phases of matter, optics, atomic, nuclear and particle physics.
• For this reason it is not sufficient for progression to Level 2 physics modules.
• The module provides students with practice in key mathematical techniques an in the informal discussion of scientific ideas within a small group.

Content

• The syllabus contains:
• Wave Phenomena: Introduction to vibrations. Energy in SHM. Simple harmonic motion of mechanical, electrical and atomic oscillators. Damped harmonic motion. Introduction of the Q value, forced oscillations and resonance. Chaos, period doubling, attractors and the Madelbrot set. Introduction to transverse and longitudinal waves. Analysis of the wave equation. Properties of harmonic waves including sound waves, intensity and loudness. The Doppler effect. Superposition and interference of harmonic waves, including boundary conditions. Interference and beats. Standing waves. Waves in a dispersive medium, phase and group velocities. Pulses in a non-linear medium, Solitons. The nature and properties of light. The speed of light. The propagation of light, Huygens' principle and single slit diffraction and two slit interference. Applications of dispersion: fibre optics, prisms and rainbows.
• Electricity and Magnetism: Electrostatics: Electric charge, Coulomb's law, permittivity of vacuum, E, electric field lines, electric dipoles, continuous charge distributions, Gauss's law, calculation of E using Gauss's law, potential energy, electric potential, E = –grad V, equipotentials, capacitors, dielectrics, electric energy density, circulation of E, electromotive force. Magnetostatics: Currents in conductors, Ohm's law, circulation of E round circuit, electromotive force, B field, force on moving charge/current, Lorentz force, force on a current-carrying coil, magnetic dipole moment, Biot–Savart law, permeability of vacuum, magnetic field patterns due to current loop/bar magnet, Gauss's law for magnetism, magnetic monopoles, circulation of B, Ampere's law, calculation of B for current line, torus, solenoid. Time Variations: Faraday's law, E from dB/dt, induced emf, back emf, motional emf, inductance, magnetic energy density, displacement current, B from dE/dt, Maxwell's equations.
• Quantum Mechanics: Brief review of classical physics. Outstanding problems: black body radiation, photoelectric effect, stability of atoms. Discovery of Planck's constant. Quantization of energy. Particle nature of radiation. Compton effect. Rutherford model of the atom. Bohr model of the hydrogen atom. its successes and its limitations. Particle-wave dualism. Double slit experiment. quantum mechanical interpretation. Wave nature of matter. Uncertainty principle; worked examples. Schrodinger's non-relativistic wave equation. Separation of variables. Bound state and potential well problems: square wells of infinite and finite depth. The solution of Schroedinger's equation for the simple harmonic oscillator. Reflection and transmission of particle beams by potential steps and barriers. Quantum tunnelling and applications: Theory of alpha radioactivity, scanning tunnelling microscope, age of Sun, etc.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will have knowledge of the physics of vibrations and waves in many different linear systems and of optical wave phenomena including light propagation, diffraction and interference.
• They will have a firm grounding in the classical aspects of electromagnetism, including the central ideas of electrostatics, magnetostatics and time variations.
• They will understand the fundamental importance of quantum mechanics to modern physics and will be able to perform simple quantum mechanical calculations.

• In addition to the acquisition of subject knowledge, students will have developed problem-solving skills requiring the application of mathematical techniques and the basic principles of physics.
• They will know how to produce a well-structured solution, with clearly-explained reasoning and appropriate presentation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching will be lectures, supported by tutorials and mathematics skills workshops.
• The lectures will provide the means to give a concise, focused presentation of the subject matter of the module.
• The lecture material will be explicitly linked to the contents of a single recommended textbook for the module, thus making clear where students can begin their private study.
• When appropriate, the lectures will also be supported by the distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times (the Department has a policy of encouraging such enquiries).
• The mathematics skills workshops will improve students' knowledge of key mathematical topics and techniques used in physics.
• Regular problem exercises will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem-solving abilities.
• These problem exercises will form the basis for discussions in tutorial groups of typically six to eight students.
• The tutorials will also provide an informal environment for students to raise issues of interest or difficulty.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through a written examination and problem exercises.
• The written examination provides the means for students to demonstrate their acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills.
• The problem exercises provide opportunities for feedback, for students to gauge their progress, and for staff to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 1.5-hour Collection Examination.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University