PH03010 - INTRODUCTION TO THE PHYSICS OF MATTER

Module Identifier	PH03010
Module Title	INTRODUCTION TO THE PHYSICS OF MATTER
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Mr Barry Henley
Semester	Semester 1
Other staff	Coleg Ceredigion Staff
Pre-Requisite	GCSE Mathematics and Science or equivalent
Co-Requisite	None
Mutually Exclusive	Not available to students on 3 year BSc (Hons) or 4 year MPhys schemes
Course delivery	Lecture	20 Hours
	Seminar	4 Hours
	Tutorial	3 Hours
Assessment	Continuous assessment	1 open book test in week 6 and 1 closed book test in week11	20%
	Exam	2 Hours	80%

Brief description

Matter consists of atoms and molecules in solid, liquid or gas phase. The structure and size of atoms - protons, neutrons and electrons are first discussed. Quantisation of energy and ionisation potential. Molecular structure is discussed with emphasis on the types of bonding between atoms and molecules. The influences of temperature on the properties of matter is then considered. The behaviour of solids undergoing stress and strain. A simple model of an ideal gas as a collection of hard spheres is shown to lead to an understanding of transport properties of gases and deviations from ideal behaviour. Properties of gases are examined from the point of view of the First Law of Thermodynamics.

Learning outcomes

After taking this module students should be able to:

Understand the structure of the atom and electron energy levels.
Describe types of bonds between atoms and molecules, and their relative strengths.
Understand the structures and properties of solids - amorphous and crystalline.
Understand the thermal properties of solids, liquids and gases.
Calculate the effects of stresses on solids.
Understand the concept of an ideal gas, apply the gas laws and equation of state.
Explain the effects of heat and work on matter using the First Law of Thermodynamics.
Perform calculations related to the First Law of Thermodynamics.

Additional learning activities

Tutorials and tests

Outline syllabus

Atomic structure - Protons, neutrons, electrons, isotopes and radioactive decay.
Avogadro's constant and the mole.
Emission spectra and electron energy levels within atoms.
Ionic, covalent, metallic bonding.
Interatomic and intermolecular forces.
Structure of solids and associated physical properties.
Specific heat capacity and latent heat, thermal conductivity.
Solids - stress and strain, elasticity, Young?s modulus.
Ideal gases - gas laws, equation of state.
Isochoric, isothermal, isobaric processes.
Thermal properties of matter - heat, work, internal energy.
First law of thermodynamics.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
M. Nelkon and P. Parker. Advanced Level Physics. Heinemann Educational ISBN 0435686682
F.J. Keller, W.E. Gettys and M.J. Skove. Physics Classical and Modern. McGaw-Hill ISBN 0070234604