PH14020 - DYNAMICS, RELATIVITY AND QUANTUM PHYSICS

Module Identifier	PH14020
Module Title	DYNAMICS, RELATIVITY AND QUANTUM PHYSICS
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Professor Geraint Vaughan
Semester	Semester 1
Other staff	Dr James Whiteway, Dr Keith Birkinshaw
Pre-Requisite	Normal entry requirements for Part 1 Physics
Co-Requisite	Part 1 core modules
Course delivery	Lecture	40 Lectures
	Workshop	2 Example Classes
	Practical	Incorporated into PH15010 and PH15510
Assessment	Course work	Examples sheets 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 &9 Deadlines are detailed in the Year 1 Example Sheet Schedule distributed by the Department	30%
	Exam	3 Hours End of semester examination	70%

Brief description

This module serves as a first introduction to modern physics from a starting point in classical physics, aiming to provide an understanding of the principles of both. Two strands to the module run side-by-side: the first concentrating on classical kinematics, Newton's Laws, energy and momentum and rotational motion, with an introduction to Special Relativity and its implications for describing space and time. The second strand introduces, the fundamentals of Quantum Theory at a simple level, applied to explain the properties of atoms, molecules, solids and nuclei. An emphasis will be placed on the solution of problems related to concepts and example sheets will include numerical exercises.

Learning outcomes

After taking this module students should be able to:

Understand the basic principals of Dynamics, Special Relativity and Quantum Theory and their implications for describing classical and microscopic phenomena.
Appreciate applications in predicting planetary motion, in describing space and time and in analysing the electronic properties of atoms and solids.
Interpret the physics of rotational motion, of radioactive decay rates and of the forces between atoms.
Solve simple numerical problems in Linear and Rotational Dynamics, Special Relativity and Quantum Physics.

Additional learning activities

Voluntary sessions on SToMP - Computer Aided Learning package which is available to all physics students on the campus network. SToMP has a good introduction to relativity.

Outline syllabus

Dynamics

Kinematics: Newton's laws of motion; inertial frames; Galilean transformations; relativity principle of Newtonian mechanics; momentum and kinetic energy; collision processes; internal forces; centre-of-mass system.
-Gravity and weight.
Universal gravitation: g and G; variation of g for terrestrial observer; planetary motion and artificial satellites.
Potential energy and gravitational fields.
Rotational motion: centripetal acceleration/force; moment of inertia; equation of motion; angular momentum; analogy between linear and rotational motion.

Relativity

Introduction and discussion of the shortcomings of pre-relativistic physics, which lead to the simple postulates of Special Relativity, with spectacular results in our understanding of space and time. The Lorentz-Einstein transformations are derived from the postulates, leading to an understanding of time-dilation and Lorentz contraction.

Quantum Physics

Radiation: Black-body radiation, Laws of Wein and Stefan, breakdown of classical theory, Planck function.
Photoelectric effect, photon as particle.
Rutherford Scattering, Bohr atom and one-electron spectra.
Nuclear masses, mass number, binding energy, stable nuclei.
Radioactive decay, beta-ray spectra, gamma-ray spectra, half life.
Wave-particle duality, Young's slit experiment.
De Broglie relationships, Electron diffraction, the Uncertainty Principle.
Progression from Bohr theory: Schrodinger equation, introduction to *. Standing waves.
Multielectron atoms: the idea of orbitals and the four quantum numbers. Pauli Exclusion Principle.
Periodic Table, molecular orbitals and covalent bonding.
Ionic and van der Waals bonds. Inter-atomic energy curve.
Crystalline and amorphous solids. Types of crystals, crystal organisation.
Electrons in crystals: introduction to band theory. Conductors, insulators, semiconductors.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
P.A. Tipler. Physics for Scientists and Engineers. Freeman Worth 1-57259-673-2
** Supplementary Text
A.P. French. Newtonian Mechanics. Van Nostrand Reinhold 0-39-309970-9
A.P. French. Special Relativity. Nelson Thomas 0-412-34320-7
A. Beiser. Concepts of Modern Physics. McGraw-Hill 0-07-113849-8