Offered
Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)
Synopsis
The unit introduces fundamental principles of physics of importance to engineering, and their applications. Topics include: Newtonian mechanics - forces, momentum, work and energy; torque and equilibrium; electricity - emf, Ohms Law, series and parallel resistors, power, capacitor and time constant; magnetism - force on currents and moving charges in magnetic fields, flux induced emf, DC motor and ideal transformer; basic wave properties, light and sound, superposition, standing waves; modern physics - photon model of light, wave model of particles, model of electrons in atom, emission and absorption of light; measurement, analysis, and written communication.
Objectives
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
- recognise the basic principles of physics in simple situations relevant to engineering, and correctly apply them
- apply Newton's Laws, the work-energy theorem and conservation of energy and momentum to analyse cases of one-dimensional and uniform circular motion
- describe the propagation of transverse and longitudinal waves in terms of amplitude, frequency, wavelength, speed; describe and analyse the behaviour of reflected and refracted waves and standing waves in one dimension, for light and sound; explain the effects of diffraction and interference
- analyse simple DC circuits involving series and parallel resistors; properties of capacitor, and the RC series circuit; determine the force and the potential energy for charges; determine the force on currents in magnetic fields and induced emf as a result of changing magnetic flux.
- relate the photon properties of light to the photoelectric effect, use the wave properties of matter and de Broglie wavelength to explain behaviour of particles at the atomic scale
- make reliable measurements, estimate uncertainties, analyse, evaluate and interpret data in cases appropriate to engineering and related to the theory studied
- show an improved ability to work in teams, to discuss physics concepts and communicate measurements and applications related to engineering and developments in technologies
- approach new problems and find solutions on the basis of general principles, and evaluate the appropriateness of their proposed models or solutions.
Assessment
Test: 8%
Quizzes/Assignments: 7%
Practical work: 25%
Exam (3 hours): 60%
Students must achieve a pass mark in the practical work to achieve an overall pass grade.
Contact hours
3 hours of lectures, 3 hours of practical (compulsory) and 6 hours of private study per week
Prohibitions
Year 12 Physics, ENG1080, PHS1031, BMS1031, PHS1617