This module provides a foundation in four key areas of Physics - Mechanics, Properties of Matter, Heat & Temperature, and Waves. Upon successful completion of this module the student will also have an understanding of the role of physics in other scientific disciplines. The module also aims to develop an appreciation for the scope of these areas of specialisation, their application to their programme area of expertise and an awareness of current developments in these fields.
Mechanics
Fundamental quantities and their SI units.Units standardisation and units conversion.Orders of Magnitude. Significant Figures. Scientific Notation. Measurement and measurement scales. Vectors & Scalars. Mass, volume and density. Displacement, speed, velocity and momentum. Acceleration. Kinematics equations. Forces: Definition of a force; Newton's Laws of motion; Gravity; Weight; Friction. Energy: Definition of Work and Energy; types of energy; the Electromagnetic Spectrum; conservation of energy, Kinetic and Gravitational Potential Energy; Conservative Mechanical Systems. Power and Efficiency. Circular motion: Cycles; Angle measurement in Radians; Angular Velocity; Frequency and Periodic Time; Centripital Acceleration and Force; Centrifugal Force; The Centrifuge.
Properties of Matter
Definition of Pressure, Stress and Strain. Hooke's Law. Young's Modulus. The deformation of materials under stress. Hydrostatic Pressure; Atmospheric Pressure; Pressure measuring instruments; Buoyancy & Archimedes' Principle. Hydrodynamics: Equation of Continuity, Bernoulli's Equation; Laminar & Turbulent Flow; Poiseuille's Equation; Viscosity; Terminal Velocity.
Temperature and Heat
Thermometric property. Temperature. Measuring temperature: The Celsius and Kelvin scales; Thermometers. Heat: Definition of Heat; Heat transfer through Convection, Conduction and Radiation; The Gas Laws; Molarity and Avogadro's number; The Kinetic Theory of Gases; Relative Humidity; Condensation. Calorimetry: Specific Heats; Latent Heats; Phase Change diagrams; Calculation of total heat in a system.
Waves
Examples of wave phenomena in nature; Types of waves; Mathematical representation of a wave in space and time; Signals; Velocity, Wavelength and Frequency of a wave; Relationship between Frequency and Energy for Electromagnetic Waves; Wave Number. Sound: Decibel scale, Frequency range of sound. Ultrasound: Definition; Medical and Industrial applications.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |
| Formal Examination | 70 |