PHS1022 - Fields and quantum physics - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Science

Organisational Unit

School of Physics and Astronomy

Coordinator(s)

Dr Paul Lasky

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • Second semester 2017 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit forms part of main-stream physics and provides foundations in rotational dynamics, the gravitational field, electrostatics, magnetism and quantum physics. Together these topics underpin interactions in our universe at sub-atomic to cosmic scales. Electrostatics explores the electric field, potential and energy for various situations, and the behaviour of capacitors and dielectrics. Magnetism covers the relation between currents, magnetic fields and induced emfs, inductance, LCR resonance, and introduces Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. Quantum physics includes wave particle duality for matter and light, quantisation, wave-functions and probabilities, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, hydrogen atom, and the particle-in-a-box model.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Explain and understand concepts taught in the unit such as fields, electromagnetic phenomena, and quantum mechanics;
  2. Apply their knowledge to solve problems related to these concepts;
  3. Evaluate and appraise novel situations in terms of fields, electrostatics, magnetic interaction and quantum effects;
  4. Execute experiments involving simple apparatus and analyse, interpret and evaluate the results arising from them;
  5. Present and communicate results of others and one's own experimentations in a scientific form.

Assessment

Experimental work: 25%

Tests/Assignments: 35%

Examination (3 hours): 40%

Hurdle requirement: Students must achieve a pass mark in the experimental work to achieve an overall pass grade.

Workload requirements

  • Two 1-hour classes and one 3-hour class per week (attendance is expected at all classes)
  • Seven hours of private study per week

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Prerequisites

One of PHS1011, PHS1080, PHS1031 or Year 12 Physics and VCE Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) or MTH1020.

Note: If you have not taken VCE Specialist Mathematics or equivalent, with permission from the School of Physics and Astronomy, you may take MTH1020 as a co-requisite.

Co-requisites

Recommended: MTH1030, MTH1035 or ENG1005

Note: to continue with Physics at level two students must have taken MTH1030, MTH1035 or ENG1005 by the end of level one or you will need to seek permission to continue from the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Prohibitions

ENG1081, PHS1042