PHS1022 - Physics

Leader: Dr David Mills and Associate Professor Michael Morgan

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides foundations in rotational dynamics and the gravitational fields, electrostatics, magnetism and quantum physics. Electrostatics: electric field and potential for various situations, capacitors and dielectrics, diodes. Magnetism: the relation between currents, magnetic fields and induced emfs, inductance, LCR resonance introduction to Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. Quantum physics: wave particle duality for matter and light, quantisation, wave-functions and probabilities, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, hydrogen atom, particle-in-a-box model.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, 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.

Assessment

Examinations (One x 2.5 hours and One x 2 hours): 63%
Laboratory work: 25%
Tests: 12%
Students must achieve a pass mark in the laboratory work to achieve an overall pass grade.

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour laboratory class per week

Prerequisites

PHS1011 or Year 12 Physics or PHS1080, and VCE Specialist Mathematics or MTH1020

Co-requisites

recommended MTH1020 or MTH1030