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 | 2015/6 |
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 6 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
Examination and Continuous Assessment.
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.
Background 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).