Module Information

Module Identifier
PH04520
Module Title
Introduction to Fundamentals of Physics II
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Co-Requisite
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Semester Assessment  Continuous Assessment  30%
Semester Exam 3 Hours   Exam  Written end of semester examination  70%
Supplementary Exam 3 Hours   Resit Assessment  Written examination  100%

Learning Outcomes

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

Recall and apply the physics of the harmonic oscillator, wave propagation and effects

Demonstrate ability to solve problems on the harmonic oscillator, wave propagation and effects

Recall and apply the physics of charges, electric and magnetic forces and fields, simple AC and DC circuits

Demonstrate ability to solve problems on charges, electric and magnetic forces and fields, simple AC and DC circuits

Produce qualitative descriptions of oscillators, wave phenomena, effects of electric and magnetic forces and fields, simple electric circuits

Brief description

The module gives an introduction to the fundamental theory and applications of oscillations, waves, electricity and magnetism. It introduces simple oscillatory motion and develops to consider the properties of waves, which can carry energy away from an oscillating source. It gives an introduction to fundamental concepts in electricity and magnetism and to the theory of electric circuits, for DC and the oscillatory AC.

Aims

The module introduces wave theory and electromagnetism used in basic circuitry. Emphasis is placed on the solution of problems through numerical exercises. This module is part of the introduction to university (year 0) physics and prepares the student for uses of the topics in more advanced studies.

Content

OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES
• Simple harmonic motion
• Examples of simple harmonic oscillators
• Energy of simple harmonic oscillator
• Simple harmonic motion and circular motion
• Introduction to damped oscillation, forced oscillation and resonance
• Definitions of wave parameters
• Graphical and mathematical representations of waves
• Superposition of waves, Doppler effect, standing waves, beats
• Introduction to light waves: reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarization
• Young's two-slit experiment, diffraction grating

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
• Positive and negative charge
• Conductors and insulators
• Coulomb's law
• Electric field and electric potential
• Force on and motion of charged particle in a uniform electric field
• Charge and discharge of capacitors
• Capacitors: construction, series and parallel combinations, stored energy
• Current and resistance, Ohm's law, resistivity, ammeters, voltmeters
• DC circuits: resistors in series and parallel, internal resistance, energy, power
• Kirchhoff's rules
• Force on particle, solenoid, Faraday's law, Lenz's law
• AC currents in resistive, capacitive and inductive circuits, reactance, impedance
• Analysis of AC circuits using phasor diagrams

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Adaptability and resilience Exercises and an electronic homework package encourage self-directed learning and improved performance.
Creative Problem Solving Problem solving skills are developed throughout this module and tested in assignments and in the written examination.
Critical and analytical thinking Lecture topics and examples sheets provide encouragement for students to investigate the topics covered in the module.
Digital capability Numerical problems in examples sheets and the examination paper develop skills in application of number. Use of calculators and/or computers and blackboard navigation will be acquired.
Subject Specific Skills Understanding oscillations, waves, and, electricity and magnetism, as core topics in physics.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 3