Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module the student should:
1. Have a good understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics and the properties of matter, waves and light.
2. Have developed the ability to solve basic problems related to coursework and critically assess the solution using logic and physical principles.
3. Be aware of the importance of physical principles in the context of Engineering Sciences.
4. Use library and IT resources to research the technical literature.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of the safe laboratory practice in the use of a range of laboratory equipment.
6. To work effectively, as a member of a team/group, in the collection, analysis, presentation and reporting of laboratory experiments in physics.
7. To collate and meaningfully present engineering information, adhering to standard conventions of technical reporting.
Indicative Module Content:
1. Physical quantities. Measurements and units. Equations in physics. Scalars and vectors.
2. Motion Along a Straight Line. Position, path, velocity, acceleration. Average and instantaneous quantities.
3. Motion in Two and Three Dimensions. Circular motion. Projectiles.
4. Forces and Motion. Newton's laws. Weight, Spring force, Gravity, Tension force, friction.
5. Kinetic Energy and Work. Work--kinetic energy theorem.
6. Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy. Relation between force and energy.
7. Centre of Mass and Linear Momentum. Conservation of linear momentum.
8. Rotational motion. Angular velocity and acceleration. Centripetal and tangential acceleration.
9. Rolling, Torque, and Angular Momentum. Conservation of angular momentum. ewton's second law for rotations.
10. Oscillations. Simple harmonic motion. Pendulums. Damped oscillations.
11. Waves. Transversal and longitudinal waves. Calculation of wave speed. Energy transport.
12. Sound waves. Sound pressure level. Doppler effect. Speed of sound. Shock waves.
13. Superposition of waves. Interference. Beats.
14. Standing waves. Musical tones. Resonance. Damped waves.
15. Electromagnetic Waves. Light. Reflection and refraction. Index of refraction. nell's law. Total internal reflection.
16. Huygens principle. Polarization. Malus' law. Brewster's angle.
17. Diffraction. Single slit diffraction pattern. Diffraction gratings.
18. Temperature, Heat, and the First Law of Thermodynamics. Heat capacity. Latent heat. Phase transformations. Transport of heat.
19. The Kinetic Theory of Gases. Ideal gas law. Gas pressure.
20. Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Reversible and irreversible processes.