This module addresses the fundamental physics associated with the properties of materials.
Quantum Physics: This section introduces quantum physics and why this theory of nature was necessary. The wave nature of matter and the quantum wavefunction are introduced. The Schrödinger equation is introduced and it solutions for some important situations are outlined. Bonding in molecules follows a description of the hydrogen atom and multi-electron atoms leading on to a description of condensed matter. This is followed by a description of crystal structures, the defects in crystal structures and their impact on mechanical properties.
Nuclear Physics: This section of the module covers nuclear physics: a review of basic nuclear properties; the structure of the nucleus and nuclear forces; radioactivity; applications of nuclear physics.
Quantum Physics (26 lectures):
• Limits of Classical Physics: Blackbody radiation. Photoelectric effect. Compton effect. Atomic Line Spectra (energy levels). Pair production and annihilation. X-rays.
• Bohr Model (angular momentum).
• Wave Properties: De Broglie waves, particle diffraction, & wave-particle duality. Experimental evidence. Electron microscope.
• Wave Packets: Phase and group velocities of matter waves. Probability. Heisenberg uncertainty principle. The quantum wave function.
• The Schrödinger Equation: Wave equation. Free-particle wave equation. Particle in an infinite potential well. Particle in a rectangular potential well. Barrier penetration and tunnelling, particle decay.
• Fundamental forces and the standard model.
• The Hydrogen Atom: quantum numbers, orbital shape, many-electron atoms.
• Bonding of Atoms:
- Ionic bonding (Madelung energy, repulsive energy, lattice energy, ionic size and shape, ionic structures).
- Covalent bonding (Molecular orbitals, diatomic molecular orbital energies, bonding between unlike atoms, electronegativity, bond strength and direction, orbital hybridisation, multiple bonds).
- Metallic bonding.
- Hydrogen bonding.
- Weak chemical bonding (Lennard-Jones potential).
• Crystal Structure. The solid, crystalline state, symmetry and geometry, Miller indices, the Bravais lattice, the unit cell, interplanar spacing, co-ordinate number and packing, elementary and compound crystals.
• Defects in Crystals. Defects: point, line, edge and screw dislocations, planar defects
Nuclear Physics (4 lectures):
• Review of nuclei, mass and spin, magnetic moments, Rutherford particle scattering.
• Nuclear forces, stability of nuclei, binding energy.
• Radioactivity, decay processes, mean and half- lives, activity and exponential decay.
• Nuclear reactions.
• Fission and fusion, chain reaction, power generation, nuclear weapons.
Practical Component:
Typical experiments include:
Diffraction in crystals simulation (microwave)
Tensile strain of materials
Attenuation of gamma rays
Absorption spectroscopy
A variety of learning and teaching methods will be used throughout this module including lectures, tutorials, self-directed learning, formative quizzes.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 42 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 58 |