PX0101: Structure and Properties of Matter
School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
Department Code | PHYSX |
Module Code | PX0101 |
External Subject Code | F300 |
Number of Credits | 10 |
Level | L3 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr David Westwood |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
- To introduce the microscopic nature of matter.
- To relate the microscopic properties of matter to selected macroscopic properties of solids, liquids and gases through simple models.
- To explore practical applications though numerical examples.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Describe the electronic structure of the atom and its relationship with both chemical bonds and the periodic table.
- Describe how bonding and microscopic structure determines selected macroscopic properties of solids and liquid surfaces.
- Relate the concepts of temperature and pressure to the properties of an ideal gas and the kinetic theory of gases.
- Recall descriptive elements of the module and solve unseen numerical problems.
How the module will be delivered
Teaching and feedback methods: Lectures 22 x 1 hr, Exercise classes 11 x 1 hr, marked Exercises.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem solving. Investigative skills. Mathematics. Analytical skills.
How the module will be assessed
Assessment: Examination 90%. Coursework 10%. [Examination duration: 2 hours]
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Exam - Autumn Semester | 90 | Structure And Properties Of Matter | 2 |
Written Assessment | 10 | Coursework | N/A |
Syllabus content
Building Blocks of Matter: The atomic model and its importance. Structure of the atom, isotopes, the Periodic table, calculating with moles. Differences between gases, liquids and solids.
Bonds: Forces between atoms or molecules - force/distance and potential energy/distance relationships.
Types of bonding: ionic, covalent, van-der Waals and metallic bonds.
Surface Tension: Surface tension and surface energy of liquids: definition. Water and soap films, minimisation of surface area, idea of breaking molecular bonds to form a surface.
Properties of Solids: Stretching a wire, introduction to elastic moduli, theoretical maximum breaking stress and relation to microscopic properties. Explanations for the weakness of real solids.
Properties of Fluids: Liquids and gases as fluids. Properties of ideal gases. The concept and measurement of pressure and temperature. The universal gas law (pV = nRT).
Kinetic theory of ideal gases: Boltzman constant, mean free paths, r.m.s. velocities and the Maxwell-Boltzman distribution.
Essential Reading and Resource List
Advanced Physics, T Duncan, 4th Edition (John Murray).
University Physics (with Modern Physics), H D Young and R A Freedman, 12th Edition (Addison Wesley).
Background Reading and Resource List
Not applicable.