PHS1616

Physical science

Mr Phillip Higgins

6 points
* First semester
* On-campus: 39 hours of lectures, 13 hours of tutorials and 21 hours of laboratory work across the semester
* Gippsland/Distance
* Prerequisites: entry to course
* Prohibitions: PHS1639, GAS1302, GAS1383, PHS1031
* Note: Distance students complete laboratory exercises using a supplied kit.

Objectives On satisfactory completion of this subject a student will be able to apply Newton's laws, the work-energy principle and conservation of energy to analyse simple dynamics problems; apply kinetic theory and the gas laws to explain heat transfer, temperature and thermal properties of materials; apply the laws of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy to describe thermal processes; apply Coulomb's law to simple charge distributions to determine forces, electric field strengths and potentials; analyse simple DC and AC circuits involving series and parallel resistors; determine the force on moving charges in magnetic fields; describe the concept of magnetism, its production and use in electromagnetic devices and instruments; understand the quantum nature of radiation and explain its role in the photoelectric effect; describe different types of radioactive decay, the fundamental emissions associated with these and solve problems using decay rates or half-lives; understand the concept of binding energy and its role in fission and fusion reactions; describe the use of nuclear interactions for diagnosis and treatment in medicine.

Synopsis PHS1616 provides studies in principles of measurement, electromagnetic fields, an introduction to quantum theory and atomic/nuclear structure, nuclear physics, ionising radiation, kinetic molecular theory and thermodynamics. Detailed study guides are provided with a number of assignments and practice problems. Tutorial and practical classes take place for on-campus students. Distance education students are provided with kits of equipment for laboratory exercises. Laboratory exercises are designed to achieve two objectives: (i) to demonstrate and reinforce theory material: and (ii) to develop an appreciation of measurement skills and method of analysis.

Assessment End-of-semester examination: 70%
* Laboratory reports: 30%
* Students must pass both theory and laboratory sections.

Prescribed texts

Giancoli D C Physics 4th edn, Prentice-Hall, 1995
Kirkup L Experimental methods Wiley, 1994