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2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS1270 Quantum Mechanics and Electricity (Joint Honours)

15 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Robert Purdy
Email: R.Purdy@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Pre-requisite qualifications

A level Physics and Maths or equivalent

This module is mutually exclusive with

PHYS1200Physics 1- Fundamental Forces
PHYS1231Introductory Physics (Geophysics)
PHYS1240Quantum Physics and Relativity (Geophysics)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This course combines an introduction to one of the greatest theories in classical physics with the two great revolutions in modern physics. Electromagnetic interactions are one of the four fundamental forces of nature and an essential aspect of modern technologies. You will learn about: the key concepts in electricity and magnetism and see how they can be applied in a range of physical situations; how physics received a major shake-up at the beginning of the twentieth century with the advent of quantum physics and relativity. You will follow the historic discoveries that led to this new way of thinking and will cover the key concepts in their development.

Objectives

At the end of this module you should be able to:
- derive and use the transformation equations of special relativity;
- compute the energy and momentum of relativistic particles;
- summarise relativistic systems on a Minkowski spacetime diagram;
- understand the core difference between quantum and classical physics;
- represent quantum systems with two classical states;
- compute measurement probabilities and quantum evolutions;
- apply the Heisenberg uncertainty relation and de Broglie wavelength to concrete physical systems;
- derive the Bohr model and use it to estimate energies of atoms and molecules;
- perform elementary computations relating to photons and radiation;
- understand the uses and philosophical implications of quantum entanglement;
- understand and solve problems involving the Coulomb force;
- perform calculations on DC circuits (including capacitors, resistors and inductors) using Ohm’s and Kirchhoff's Laws);
- calculate the force on a charge moving in a magnetic field

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

Skills outcomes
Problem solving in quantum physics, relativity and electricity


Syllabus

- Uses of quantum physics
- The Bohr model of the atom
- Photons and radiation
- The de Broglie wavelength
- The Heisenberg uncertainty relation
- Lorentz Transformations
- Relativistic kinematics
- Relativistic energy and momentum
- Four-vectors and Minkowski space
- Basic Electrostatics: Coulomb force and capacitors
- Magnetostatics
- Lorentz force
- DC circuits
- Kirchoff's laws
- RC circuits

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Workshop81.008.00
Office Hour Discussions111.000.00
Lecture331.0033.00
Private study hours109.00
Total Contact hours41.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)150.00

Private study

- reading lecture notes and books
- solving problems

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Online AssessmentOnline Mid-Term Assessment30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)30.00

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


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment48 hr 00 mins70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)70.00

same as PHYS1200, PHYS1230, PHYS1240 Students will have to complete an online assessment at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound. The assessment will not take 48 hours to complete, but students will have a 48 hour time period in which to complete it. Students are required to pass all assessments for this module in order to pass the module overall.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 12/10/2020 15:48:24

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