PHS1022

Physics

Associate Professor Charles Don

6 points - 6 hours per week on average (3 or 4 hours of lectures/problem classes plus a 2 or 3-hour laboratory class) - Second semester - Clayton - Prerequisite: To have attempted PHS1011 - Corequisite: Recommended MTH1020 or MTH1030 - Prohibition: PHS1042

Objectives On completion of this subject a student should be able to explain, and apply in simple situations, the principles of physics related to rotational dynamics and mechanical resonance, gravitational and electrostatic fields and potentials, magnetic fields and induction; use and describe basic quantum and atomic physics concepts; analyse simple electronic circuits containing diodes and amplifiers; carry out experiments and analyse data and write scientific reports.

Synopsis This subject is a continuation of PHS1011 and comprises four units. (1) Mechanics II: Rotational dynamics, gravitational fields and mechanical resonance. (2) Electronics and electrostatics: Diodes, power supplies and amplifiers, AC circuits, resonance, electric field and potential for various situations, capacitors and dielectrics. (3) Magnetism: The relation between currents, magnetic fields and induced emfs, inductance, introduction to Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. (4) Quantum and atomic physics: Wave particle duality for matter and light, operators and quantisation, wave-functions and probabilities, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, hydrogen atom, infinite well, tunnelling. Laboratory work is linked to the lecture topics.

Assessment Examinations (2+2.5 hours): 60% - Laboratory work: 25% - Tests: 15%

Prescribed texts

To be advised

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook