Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 Hours to include lectures and tutorials |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours written examination | 80% |
| Semester Assessment | Problem Sheets and/or written assignments | 20% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours written examination | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Use Newtonian mechanics to describe the behaviour of simple mechanical systems and be able to apply that understanding to solve simple problems in this area.
Apply the kinetic theory of gases to simple problems.
Brief description
This module explores the success of Newtonian physics in explaining the world around us - from the behaviour of gases to the orbit of planets. Starting from the cornerstone of Newton's three laws, the module progresses to examine the interaction of forces and material objects and introduces the concept of a central force field. Topics covered include: conservation laws, rotational motion, gravitational fields and potential, projectiles and intermolecular forces, kinetic theory of gases, qualitative description of the nature of the 4 fundamental forces.
Content
NEWTONIAN MECHANICS
Definitions of force, vector and scalar quantities addition of vectors
Components of vectors, adding vectors by components
Forces in equilibrium
Newton's three laws of motion
Impulse; conservation of momentum, elastic and inelastic collisions
Work, energy and power
Circular motion; centripetal force and acceleration
Rotation of solid bodies; moment of inertia, angular momentum
Couples, torques and angular acceleration
Parallels between translational and rotational motion
Motion under gravity, projectiles
Newtonian gravitation, Kepler's laws of planetary motion
Gravitational field, fields inside and outside the Earth, the orbit of satellites
Gravitational potential, escape velocity
THE KINETIC THEORY OF MATTER
Intermolecular forces and potential energy; thermal expansion
The kinetic theory of matter; an ideal gas
Derivation of pressure from consideration of molecular motions
The concept of rms velocity
Derivation of gas laws from kinetic theory
THE FOUR FUNDAMENTAL FORCES
The gravitational, electromagnetic, strong- and weak-nuclear forces; their ranges and relative strengths
Reading List
Essential ReadingNelkon, Michael. (1987.) Advanced level physics /Michael Nelkon, Philip Parker. 6th ed. Heinemann Educational Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4