This module aims to provide the student with the essential foundations in three key areas of Physics: mechanics, properties of matter and optics. These topics underpin measurement, microscopy and micrometry as applied in the future study of materials and trace analysis.
Mechanics
Measurement and units; motion; forces; impact and momentum conservation; energy and power. Density measurement; the hydrometer and the density gradient tube.
Properties of Matter
The deformation of materials under stress; analyzing cracks in glass. Pressure; the movement of fluids; viscosity measurement.
Geometrical Optics
Reflection and refraction; refractive index and Abbe number; Snells' Law; total internal reflection; refractometers; GRIM (Glass Refractive Index Measurement). Lenses and imaging; simple magnifier; compound microscope.
Physical Optics
General properties of waves with special emphasis on light; the electromagnetic spectrum; frequency, wavelength and colour of light. Reflection, refraction, interference and diffraction as properties of waves; polarization of waves and of light. Two-slit interference of light and the diffraction grating; diffraction of light by apertures and obstacles. Resolution; the Rayleigh Criterion; numerical aperture of a lens. The particle nature of light; the energy of a photon.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |
| Formal Examination | 70 |