Physics
Associate Professor Peter Wells
8 points * Four 1-hour lecture/problem classes and one 5-hour laboratory class per week * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: PHS1011, PHS1022 and one of MAT1010, MAT1910, MAT1050, MAT1811 and one of MAT1020, MAT1080, MAT1812, MAT1920
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 thin lens properties using the thin lens formula; describe a range of optical instruments and their uses; calculate impedances in polar and rectangular forms for series and parallel circuits; understand the methods for analysing AC circuits and bridge circuits; use Gauss's law and Faraday's law for simple physical systems; explain the various terms that arise in Maxwell's equations; 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) Introduction to quantum mechanics: 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) Optics: Geometrical optics of thin lens, matrix formulation. Wave properties, polarisation and birefringent media. Optical materials, dispersion. Interferometers and instruments exploring diffraction. Laser beam optics. (3) 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. (4) Electricity and magnetism: Development of Maxwell's equations (Gauss', Ampère's, and Faraday's laws) as differential equations. Displacement current. Polarisation in dielectric and ferromagnetic materials. Vectors P, D, M, and H. Permeability and permittivity of isotropic media.
Assessment Examinations (4 x 1.5 hours): 67% * Laboratory work: 33%
Prescribed texts
Beiser A Concepts of modern physics 5th edn, McGraw-Hill, 1995
Hecht E Optics 2nd edn, Addison-Wesley, 1987
Lorrain P and Corson D R Electromagnetism: Principles and applications 2nd edn, Freeman, 1990
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