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2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS2300 Physics 3

25 creditsClass Size: 175

Module manager: Dr H Christenson
Email: h.k.christenson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

This module is mutually exclusive with

PHYS2340Electromagnetism (Geophysics)
PHYS2350Electromagnetism (Joint Honours)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

By the end of the module you should be able to:

Electromagentism

- use the integral versions of Maxwell's equations to explain the concepts of electric fields and potentials, magnetic fields and magnetic induction, and to calculate these fields in cases of simple symmetric geometry;
- calculate the force on a moving charge in an electric and magnetic field and the force on a current carrying conductor, and to calculate the energy stored in electric and magnetic fields;
- analyse simple AC circuits containing resistors, capacitors and inductors;
- state Maxwell's equations in both integral and differential form and discuss their derivation from the physical laws of electromagnetism, in vacuo and in dielectric and magnetic media;
- solve Maxwell's equations to describe the nature and properties of electromagnetic waves and their reflection and refraction by boundaries;


Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

- give examples of the emergence of thermodynamic phenomena in systems with large numbers of particles;
- use the Boltzmann factor to calculate occupation probabilities of states;
- use Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac or Bose-Einstein statistics as appropriate to discuss basic thermodynamic properties of the two level paramagnet, the degenerate electron gas and blackbody radiation;
- discuss the concept of entropy from both the thermodynamic and statistical points of view and calculate entropy changes in irreversible processes;
- define enthalpy, the Helmholtz function and the Gibbs function and discuss their utility;
- state and discuss the four laws of thermodynamics, including various alternative formulations of each law;
- use these laws, and Maxwell relations to solve simple thermodynamic problems;
- describe the phase diagram for a one-component system, derive the Clausius-Clapeyron equation and use it to solve problems relating to the dependence of a phase transition on temperature and pressure.

Learning outcomes
Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of common physical laws and principles, and some applications of these principles.
Identify relevant principles and laws when dealing with problems.

Skills outcomes
Understanding of core electromagneetism and thermodynamics


Syllabus

ELECTROMAGNETISM

Electric and Magnetic Fields: E field, Gauss; B field, Ampere; Magnetic induction, Faraday, Lenz.
AC currents: in resistors inductors and capacitors, LCR circuits, Complex impedance, Resonance.
Maxwell's Equations: (A) In vacuo with charges - Poisson; Magnetostatics, Displacement current, Maxwell's extension of Ampere's law; EM waves in vacuo,Energy and momentum in EM waves, EM spectrum. (B) In dielectric and magnetic media - Polarization and local fields, D, JD; Magnetization, JM, H; Summary of Maxwell's equations;
Refractive index.
EM waves in Optics: Polarized EM waves; Reflection and refraction; Brewster angle.


THERMODYNAMICS & STATISTICAL PHYSICS

Thermal Physics

Revision: First law; isothermal, adiabatic and quasi-static reversible changes; equations of state.

Second law, and entropy as a measure of disorder. Calculation of entropy change in irreversible processes.
Thermodynamic potentials: enthalpy, Helmholtz and Gibbs free energies. Maxwell relations, phase equilibrium and the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.
Third law.

Statistical Physics

Macrostates and Microstates.
Boltzmann statistics for distinguishable particles. Partition functions. Two-level paramagnet.
Statistics of indistinguishable particles. Introduction to Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Workshop181.0018.00
Lecture441.0044.00
Private study hours188.00
Total Contact hours62.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)250.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

9 marked homework exercises

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Problem SheetWeekly15.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)15.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)3 hr 00 mins85.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)85.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 16/04/2015

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