Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Coursework | 30% |
| Semester Exam | 3 Hours Examination | 70% |
| Supplementary Exam | 3 Hours Examination | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Recall and state fundamental principles of dynamics, waves and thermal physics.
Derive and apply the theory for translational, rotational and oscillatory motion, wave propagation and applications, and thermal physics.
Construct well-defined mathematical equations to express problems in the topics of dynamics, waves and thermal physics, and explain the application of the equations in the specified contexts.
Apply mathematical techniques to solve well-defined numerical problems on dynamics, waves and thermal physics.
Interpret and explain answers to problems in the physical sciences context.
Brief description
The module presents core topics in Physical Sciences degree schemes and their applications. It comprises three main parts. The first part covers translational, rotational and oscillatory motion. The second part introduces waves and the behaviour of light. Thermal physics on macroscopic and atomic scales is considered in the final section.
Aims
The aim of the module is to develop the student's understanding of the principles and techniques underlying dynamics, waves and heat and their applications. Emphasis is placed on applying the principles to solve problems with numerical examples provided for the student to practice. The module covers core topics in physical sciences degree schemes and prepares the student for use of the topics in more advanced Part 2 modules.
Content
Introduction to vectors: vector and scalar quantities; resolving vectors; scalar and vector products
Translational and circular motion: kinematics; Newton's laws of motion; work, energy and power; collisions
Rotational motion of a solid: moment of inertia; parallels with translational motion
Oscillatory motion: simple harmonic motion; damped, forced oscillatory motion
WAVES
Travelling waves
Wave phenomena: superposition of waves; Doppler effect
Nature of light: geometrical optics and wave nature
Dispersion; interference; diffraction
Applications and limits for optical instruments
THERMAL PHYSICS
Zeroth Law of thermodynamics: temperature scales
Thermal expansion of solids
Heat capacity and latent heat
Ideal gas: state variables
First law of thermodynamics: thermal equilibrium; internal energy; heat; work
Kinetic theory of gases: Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Creative Problem Solving | Problem solving skills are developed throughout the module and are assessed in assignments and the semester examination. |
| Digital capability | Students are expected to research topics within the module through the internet. |
| Professional communication | Clear presentation of work by the students in courseworks and the semester examination develop written communication skills. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Dynamics, waves and thermal physics are core topics in Physics degree schemes. Students are expected to gain understanding of these topics. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4