PX1121: Mechanics and Matter
| School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
| Department Code | PHYSX |
| Module Code | PX1121 |
| External Subject Code | 100425 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L4 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Clarence Matthai |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
To provide a firm foundations for the concepts of classical mechanics and its extension into quantum theory and special relativity.
To emphasise the wide applicability of simple physical ideas to a wide range of situations.
To introduce and illustrate the use of conservation laws in dynamical problems.
To introduce the key concepts underpinning the physical understanding of vibrations and oscillations in mechanical systems.
To give instruction and practice in solving physics problem in a wide range of settings.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Apply the laws of classical Newtonian mechanics to describe rectilinear and circular motion.
Use concepts of kinetic and potential energy and energy conservation to solve dynamical problems.
Relate basic macroscopic properties of gases to microscopic dynamics.
Show familiarity with the key concepts needed to describe circular orbits and rigid-body rotation.
Define what is meant by moments of inertia and be able to calculate moments of inertia in simple situations.
Recognise examples of Simple Harmonic Motion and apply the general solution to unseen problems.
Describe the key evidence for the breakdown of the classical description of the properties of matter.
Recall the postulates of special relativity, and the basic equations for length contraction, time dilation, and apply them to unseen problems.
How the module will be delivered
Teaching methods: 44 contact hours including lectures, exercises and problem-solving sessions.
Feedback: marked Exercises and tutorials.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Mathematics.
Problem solving.
Investigative skills.
Analytical skills.
How the module will be assessed
Assessment: Examination 60%. Coursework 40%. [Examination duration: 3 hours]
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Autumn Semester | 60 | Mechanics And Matter | 3 |
| Written Assessment | 40 | Mechanics And Matter | N/A |
Syllabus content
Concepts of Newtonian Mechanics: Position, Momentum (inc. conservation), Force, velocity, in 1D problems, with simple use of calculus; Newton's laws of motion.
Energy and Potentials: Conservation of Energy, Types of Energy, Friction. Force as gradient of potential.
Mechanics in two and three dimensions: Use of vectors; Momentum, impulse, collisions, scattering. Centre of mass.
Microscopic Mechanics: Properties of ideal gas; pressure from collisions, very simple treatment of kinetic theory.
Solid Bodies: Mechanical properties of solids: stress and strain, bulk modulus, Young’s modulus. Statics. Solid-body rotation, torques, moment of inertia.
Frames of reference: Galilean Relativity; rotating frames, centrifugal and coriolis forces.
Orbits: Central forces, circular motion, centripetal acceleration, Kepler's Laws, brief discussion of scattering.
Vibrations and Oscillations: Simple Harmonic Motion; Mass on a spring, pendulum, etc. Equations of motion and general solution; application to atomic vibrations etc.
Atomic Structure: Bohr atom; hydrogen-like atoms, spectra; Rutherford scattering and existence of nucleus. Radioactivity (brief discussion). Fission and fusion.
Particles and waves: Photoelectric effect; black-body radiation; de Broglie relation; uncertainty principle.
Introduction to Special Relativity: Postulates, Galilean and Lorentz transformations, 4-vectors, Mass-Energy equivalence, atomic and nuclear binding energies, etc.
Essential Reading and Resource List
Principles of Physics (Extended Version), Halliday, Resnick and Walker (Wiley)