Module Information

Module Identifier
PH03010
Module Title
Introduction to the Physics of Matter
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Co-Requisite
None
Mutually Exclusive
PH10310, Not available to students on 3 year BSc (Hons) or 4 year MPhys schemes
Pre-Requisite
GCSE Mathematics and Science or equivalent
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 11 x 2 Hour Lectures
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   written examination  80%
Semester Assessment Example sheet  20%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   written examination  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Describe the structure of the atom and electron energy levels.



Describe types of bonds between atoms and molecules, and their relative strengths.

Describe the structures and properties of solids - amorphous and crystalline.

Describe the thermal properties of solids, liquids and gases.

Calculate the effects of stresses on solids.

Describe 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.

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.

Content

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'r modulus.
Ideal gases - gas laws, equation of state.
Isochoric, isothermal, isobaric processes.
Thermal properties of matter - heat, work, internal energy.
First law of thermodynamics.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 3