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Mechanics, Oscillations, Electromagnetism and Waves for Chemical Physics
Unit information: Mechanics, Oscillations, Electromagnetism and Waves for Chemical Physics in 2020/21
Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information
for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Mechanics, Oscillations, Electromagnetism and Waves for Chemical Physics |
| Unit code |
PHYS20030 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
I/5
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Leinhardt |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
School of Physics |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Science |
Description including Unit Aims
This unit is for Chemical Physics students.
Classical Physics comprises much of the core of physics, built on the foundations developed in the 17th to 19th centuries and underpinning all of "modern" physics.
This unit builds on level C/4 material in the areas of Oscillations and Mechanics. Methods to analyse the motion of systems with many degrees of freedom are presented. The significance of conservation principles in mechanics is discussed, using central force motion as an example system. Mechanics in non-inertial reference frames is introduced. The treatment of rotation and angular momentum is extended into three dimensions, allowing a full understanding of the motion of rigid bodies.
This unit builds on the foundations from level C/4 in the areas of electromagnetic fields and waves. Maxwell's equations in vacuo and in simple solids form the basis of a discussion of fields, forces and energy for general charge and current configurations. Wave solutions of Maxwell’s equations are studied, relating the electromagnetic and optical properties of materials. General wave phenomena including interference and diffraction are investigated, along with practical applications of these effects.
To introduce students to a core of classical physics including rigid body mechanics, central force motion, coupled oscillators, electromagnetic fields and waves, wave interference and diffraction.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- appreciate the behaviour of systems of coupled oscillators
- be able to describe qualitatively and quantitatively motion under central forces
- understand the modifications to laws of motion experienced in a non-internal reference frame
- gain a qualitative understanding of the general motion of rigid bodies, and be able to carry out full analysis of simple systems
- gain an appreciation of the broad thrust of classical physics and its wide applicability
- know Maxwell's equations. Be able to deduce from them the equations relevant to simple electrostatic cases and be able to solve problems in these cases be able to calculate the magnetic field from currents flowing in simple geometries
- understand the macroscopic descriptions of fields in conductors, dielectric materials and magnetic materials
- understand the description and properties of plane electromagnetic waves, in vacuum and in materials understand reflection and transmission of waves at interfaces
- explain features of the behaviour of fields in materials in terms of semi-classical microscopic models
- be familiar with the phenomena of interference and diffraction, and the principles of operation and practical uses of common types of interferometer
Teaching Information
The unit will be taught through a combination of
- asynchronous online materials, including narrated presentations and worked examples
- synchronous group problems classes, workshops, tutorials and/or office hours
- asynchronous directed individual formative exercises and other exercises
- guided, structured reading
Assessment Information
Written timed, open-note examinations in January (40%) and June (40%).
Coursework (20%).
Reading and References
Recommended reading:
- Kleppner and Kolenkow - An Introduction to Mechanics
- Kibble and Berkshire - Classical Mechanics
Essential reading:
- Griffiths - Introduction to Electrodynamics, Fourth edition 2014 (Pearson) - Electromagnetism
Further reading:
- Duffin - Electricity and Magnetism
- Grant and Phillips - Electromagnetism
- Hecht – Optics
