Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 x 2 hr lecture |
| Seminars / Tutorials | 11 x 2 hr workshops |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 3 Hours | 70% |
| Semester Assessment | Example Sheets To be completed during the teaching semester | 30% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Understand the basic principles of electromagnetism and apply these to simple macroscopic and microscopic systems.
2. Describe the basic properties of dielectric, magnetic, and electrically conducting materials.
3. Calculate the force on a charged particle in electric and magnetic fields and describe the motion of a charged particle in a uniform electric field.
4. Calculate the potential of a system of charged particles.
5. Describe the structure and function of resistors, and capacitors.
6. Use phasor diagrams, vector methods and complex numbers to analyse AC circuits.
Aims
The concept of electric charge is introduced and electric force, field and potential are explained in terms of Coulomb's Law with illustrative examples. The alternative approach of Gauss's Law is introduced. The flow of charge is considered and this leads to Ohm's Law and the concept of resistance. Capacitors and resistors are examined and examples are given of their use in electric circuits.
Brief description
The module develops the principles and techniques of electrostatics, magnetism and electricity. Emphasis will be placed on the solution of problems, and examples sheets that will include numerical exercises. This module is as a core module for honours degree schemes in physics and prepares students for the modern physics modules in part two.
Content
1. Electric fields and the laws of Coulomb and Gauss applied to different geometries of electrical charge distribution.
2. Electric potential versus electric field, equipotential surfaces,
3. Capacitors, electrical energy density and dielectric materials.
MAGNETISM:
1. Magnetic fields, current loops and magnetic materials.
2. The laws of Biot-Savart and Ampere applied to electric currents in wires and solenoids.
3. Electromagnetic induction (Faraday's Law and Lenz' Law), self inductance and magnetic energy density.
DC ELECTRICITY:
1. Current and resistance, Ohm's Law, resistivity, ammeters, voltmeters.
2. DC circuits - resistors in series and parallel, internal resistance, energy and power
3. Potential divider circuits and Kirchoff's rules.
AC ELECTRICITY:
1. AC currents in resistive, capacitive and inductive circuits.
2. Reactance and impedance
Analysis of AC circuits using phasor diagrams, vector methods and complex numbers
3. Power and phase angle. RCL circuits in series and parallel and conditions for resonance
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | All questions set in example sheets and formal exams have numerical problems. |
| Communication | |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | The electronic homework packages are designed to encourage self-directed learning and improve performance. This is to be assessed via the online grade books. |
| Information Technology | Students will be expected to research topics within the module via the internet. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The module will highlight the latest technological developments in these fields and will contribute to career development. |
| Problem solving | Problem solving skills are developed throughout this module and tested in assignments and in the written examination. |
| Research skills | Directed reading and the electronic homework package will allow students to explore the background to the lecture modules. This will be addressed by the online homework. Students will also be set problems in lectures which will entail research in library and over the internet. |
| Subject Specific Skills | n/a |
| Team work | n/a |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4