2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS0026 Waves and Particles (IFY)

10 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr A Voice
Email: a.m.voice@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

GCSE in Mathematics or equivalent

Module replaces

PHYS0021

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is designed for students who have not had the opportunity of an A level education in Physics and can teach you Physics to A level equivalent standards. The only prerequisite is GCSE level mathematics, or equivalent.PHYS0025 Waves and Particles introduces the fundamental Physics of waves, vibrations and small particles.

Objectives

On completion students should be able to:
- describe the basic structure of an atom and its nucleus; and explain the experimental evidence that led to the discovery of the nucleus
- describe the properties of the three radioactive particles (alpha, beta and gamma)
- perform calculations on radioactive decay and simple nuclear transformations
- explain the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves and give an example of each
- perform calculations relating to progressive waves and the phenomena of interference and diffraction
- carry out calculations relating to standing waves on strings and in air columns
- carry out simple calculations relating to the phenomena of reflection and refraction
- describe and perform simple calculations on the electronic excitation, de-excitation and ionisation of atoms using the photon model of electromagnetic radiation
- describe and perform calculations on the photoelectric effect
- use the ideas of wave-particle duality to explain and perform calculations on the diffraction of small particles.

This module forms part of a package of three modules (PHYS0016, PHYS0025 and PHYS0036) which will prepare students for entry to the level 1 of an appropriate degree programme.

Skills outcomes
Problem Solving in basic Physics

Syllabus

Constituents of the atom; Rutherford scattering; radioactivity; exponential law of decay, half-life and decay constant; mass and energy, nuclear power.
Progressive waves; longitudinal and transverse waves; superposition of waves, interference and diffraction; stationary waves; reflection and refraction.
The electromagnetic spectrum; photon model of electromagnetic radiation; the photoelectric effect; atomic energy levels, electronic excitation, de-excitation and ionisation of atoms; wave-particle duality.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	5	1.00	5.00
Lecture	17	1.00	17.00
Private study hours			78.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Reading, online study materials and examples: 78 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Workshops

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

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: 26/02/2018

Disclaimer

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