PHS2011

Physics

Dr Greg Jakovidis

8 points - Four 1-hour lecture/problem classes and one 4-hour laboratory class per week - First semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: PHS1011, PHS1022 and one of MAT1010, MAT1050, MAT1811 and one of MAT1020, MAT1080, MAT1812

Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to solve simple examples of Schrödinger's wave equation; appreciate the role of quantum mechanics to physical systems; calculate impedances in polar and rectangular forms for series and parallel circuits; understand the methods for analysing AC circuits and bridge circuits; analyse simple diode and transistor circuits, design and analyse simple operational amplifier circuits; understand the way x-ray diffraction can identify crystal structure; apply the effect of a lattice to the free electron model and draw the reduced and extended zone schemes; use band theory to state the difference between conductors, insulators and semiconductors; perform a series of measurements on experiments related to the above topics; write up experimental reports presenting results and analysing and discussing them.

Synopsis This subject comprises four units. (1) Quantum physics: inadequacies of classical mechanics; particles and wave description; Schrödinger's equation, energy and momentum, expectation values and stationary states; simple one-dimensional examples, tunnelling, particles in a box. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. (2) AC theory: complex impedance and phasor notation; series and parallel resonance circuits, Q factor and bandwidth; AC bridge circuits and their applications; energy and power in AC circuits; energy density in capacitors and inductors; the transformer. (3) Analog electronics: semiconductor physics, minority and majority carriers; clipping and clamping circuits; bi-polar junction transistor, field effect transistor; small-signal amplifiers, gain and feedback. Operational amplifier model, simple linear and switching operational amplifier circuits. (4) Solid state physics: the periodic lattice, symmetry, crystal structure, x-ray diffraction; the free electron theory, spin and Pauli's exclusion principle; Fermi-Dirac distribution; introduction to band theory, effective mass, reduced and extended zone schemes; conductors, insulators and semiconductors, Fermi level.

Assessment Examinations (4x1.5 hours): 67% - Laboratory work: 33%

Prescribed texts

Diefenderfer A J and Holton B E Principles of electronic instrumentation 3rd edn, Saunders, 1994
Serway R A and others Modern physics 2nd edn, Harcourt Brace, 1997

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook