Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 18 X 1 hour lectures |
| Seminars / Tutorials | 4 X 1 hour workshops |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Written Examination | 70% |
| Semester Assessment | Example Sheets | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 2 Hours Written Examination | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Understand the principles of the zeroth and first laws of thermodynamics and the kinetic theory of gases and apply these to solve associated problems.
2. Describe wave propagation in mathematical notation and understand its applications.
3. Understand the basic principles of geometric and physical optics and describe their uses in optical instruments and techniques.
4. Understand diffraction and the limits to resolution for optical instruments.
5. Describe the operation of a laser and give examples of the use of the coherence properties of laser light.
Aims
The module introduces thermal physics with discussion of macroscopic and microscopic processes. It also develops the principles and techniques of geometrical optics and the wave nature of light. Emphasis is placed on the solution of problems through example sheets that include numerical exercises. This module is a core module for honours degree schemes in physics and prepares the student for use of the topics in the more advance studies of Part 2.
Brief description
Optics is one of the most successful branches of classical physics and applications occur throughout technology, ranging from microscopy to photonics. This course gives the basic theory of waves, geometrical and physical optics. Applications of these in modern technology are discussed.
Content
1. Solids: elastic deformation, thermal expansion.
2. Ideal gas: state variables, change of state, equation of state, ideal gas law.
3. Zeroth law of thermodynamics: thermal equilibrium, temperature and temperature scales.
4. First law of thermodynamics: internal energy, heat, work; isothermal isobaric and adiabatic processes; heat capacity and latent heat.
5. Kinetic theory of gases: derivation of pressure from mechanical reasoning; Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; rms-mean-probable speed; temperature and population of energy levels.
WAVES
1. Travelling waves: wavelength, frequency, phase velocity, group velocity.
2. Examples: waves on string, sound waves, electromagnetic waves.
3. Wave phenomena: superposition of waves, Doppler effect.
4. Wave equation.
OPTICAL AND WAVE NATURE OF LIGHT
1. Geometric and physical optics and their use in optical instruments and techniques.
2. Dispersion, interference, diffraction (single and multiple slits).
3. Limits to resolution for optical instruments.
4. Operation of a laser and examples of the use of the coherence properties of laser light.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | All questions set in example sheets and formal exams have numerical problems. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Lectures and Workshops are designed to encourage self-directed learning and improve performance. This is to be assessed via example sheets. |
| 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 will allow students to explore the background to the lecture modules. Students will also be set problems in lectures which will entail research in library and over the internet. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4