Physics
Associate Professor Peter Wells
8 points * Four 1-hour lecture/problem classes and one 5-hour laboratory class per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisite: To have attempted PHS2011
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to understand the use of quantum numbers, and Pauli's principle in labelling energy levels; calculate the energy levels for a simple harmonic oscillator; analyse simple diode and transistor circuits; design and analyse simple operational amplifier circuits; understand how spectroscopic notation is used in multi-electron systems; explain nuclear structure models and how radio-active decay schemes are characterised; state and understand the significance of the laws of thermodynamics; explain in thermodynamic terms how engines and refrigerators work; 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: The simple harmonic oscillator, energy levels and quantum numbers. The hydrogen atom, angular momentum quantum numbers and orbitals. The Pauli exclusion principle. Energy level diagrams, multi-particle systems. (2) Atomic and nuclear physics: Hydrogenic atoms, multi-electron atoms, binding energy and ionisation, atomic spectra. Atomic models, L-S and J-J coupling. X-rays and x-ray spectra. Nuclear structure, Nuclear binding energies. Nuclear models. Radioactive decay. Conservation laws and nuclear fission and fusion. (3) Thermodynamics: Concept of temperature, thermal equilibrium, laws of thermodynamics, engines and refrigerators, reversibility and irreversibility. Entropy, free energy and thermodynamic potentials. Phase transitions. (4) 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.
Assessment Examinations (4 x 1.5 hours ): 67% * Laboratory work: 33%
Prescribed texts
Beiser A Concepts of modern physics 5th edn, McGraw-Hill, 1995
Brophy J J Basic electronics for scientists 5th edn, McGraw-Hill, 1990
Zemansky M W and Dittman R H Heat and thermodynamics 6th edn, McGraw-Hill, 1981
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