Module Identifier | PH27010 | ||
Module Title | CONCEPTS IN PHYSICS 2 | ||
Academic Year | 2001/2002 | ||
Co-ordinator | Dr Geraint Thomas | ||
Semester | Semester 1 | ||
Other staff | Dr Nicholas Mitchell | ||
Pre-Requisite | Core Physics Modules at Level 1 | ||
Course delivery | Lecture | 18 lectures | |
Seminars / Tutorials | 3 workshops; 2 tutorials | ||
Assessment | Course work | Examples Sheets Example Sheets 1,2,4,6,7, & 9 Deadlines are detailed in the Year 2 Example Sheet System distributed by the Department | 30% |
Exam | 2 Hours End of semester examinations | 70% |
The difference between linear and non-linear equations is demonstrated, including the generation of sum and difference frequencies in non-linear processing. The use of dimensionless numbers in solving non-linear equations is illustrated and the relationship between non-linear equations and chaos theory is explored through solutions of the difference equation.
Finally, modelling techniques are introduced and examples of applications to specific problems are presented.
Introduction to the concepts and philosophy of modelling
Development of models as a problem solving tool in physics.
Simple pendulum as a linear oscillator
The concept of phase space
Trajectories in phase space: periodic and non-periodic behaviour; deterministic chaos
Modelling the atmosphere and the Lorentz attractor
Non-linear electrical circuit
Logistic difference equation
Bifurcation and period doubling, the Feigenbaum number
Relationship between Chaos and Fractals; Concpet of a non-integer dimension
Implications on non-linear behaviour in deterministic systems