Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Semester Assessment Continuous Assessment | 30% |
| Semester Exam | 3 Hours Exam Written end of semester examination | 70% |
| Supplementary Exam | 3 Hours Resit Assessment Written examination | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Recall and apply the physics of the harmonic oscillator, wave propagation and effects
Demonstrate ability to solve problems on the harmonic oscillator, wave propagation and effects
Recall and apply the physics of charges, electric and magnetic forces and fields, simple AC and DC circuits
Demonstrate ability to solve problems on charges, electric and magnetic forces and fields, simple AC and DC circuits
Produce qualitative descriptions of oscillators, wave phenomena, effects of electric and magnetic forces and fields, simple electric circuits
Brief description
The module gives an introduction to the fundamental theory and applications of oscillations, waves, electricity and magnetism. It introduces simple oscillatory motion and develops to consider the properties of waves, which can carry energy away from an oscillating source. It gives an introduction to fundamental concepts in electricity and magnetism and to the theory of electric circuits, for DC and the oscillatory AC.
Aims
The module introduces wave theory and electromagnetism used in basic circuitry. Emphasis is placed on the solution of problems through numerical exercises. This module is part of the introduction to university (year 0) physics and prepares the student for uses of the topics in more advanced studies.
Content
• Simple harmonic motion
• Examples of simple harmonic oscillators
• Energy of simple harmonic oscillator
• Simple harmonic motion and circular motion
• Introduction to damped oscillation, forced oscillation and resonance
• Definitions of wave parameters
• Graphical and mathematical representations of waves
• Superposition of waves, Doppler effect, standing waves, beats
• Introduction to light waves: reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarization
• Young's two-slit experiment, diffraction grating
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
• Positive and negative charge
• Conductors and insulators
• Coulomb's law
• Electric field and electric potential
• Force on and motion of charged particle in a uniform electric field
• Charge and discharge of capacitors
• Capacitors: construction, series and parallel combinations, stored energy
• Current and resistance, Ohm's law, resistivity, ammeters, voltmeters
• DC circuits: resistors in series and parallel, internal resistance, energy, power
• Kirchhoff's rules
• Force on particle, solenoid, Faraday's law, Lenz's law
• AC currents in resistive, capacitive and inductive circuits, reactance, impedance
• Analysis of AC circuits using phasor diagrams
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Adaptability and resilience | Exercises and an electronic homework package encourage self-directed learning and improved performance. |
| Creative Problem Solving | Problem solving skills are developed throughout this module and tested in assignments and in the written examination. |
| Critical and analytical thinking | Lecture topics and examples sheets provide encouragement for students to investigate the topics covered in the module. |
| Digital capability | Numerical problems in examples sheets and the examination paper develop skills in application of number. Use of calculators and/or computers and blackboard navigation will be acquired. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Understanding oscillations, waves, and, electricity and magnetism, as core topics in physics. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 3