2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHYS1210 Physics 2 - Properties of Matter
25 creditsClass Size: 250
Module manager: Dr Alison Voice
Email: A.M.Voice@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pre-requisite qualifications
'A' Level Physics and Maths or equivalentThis module is mutually exclusive with
PHYS1250 | Vibrations and Waves (Geophysics) |
PHYS1280 | Vibrations and Thermal Physics (Joint Honours) |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
This module covers the fundamental underpinning theories of vibrations, waves, thermodynamics and solid state physics. These are key concepts needed to explain the properties of matter.Learning outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of the following:
In Vibrations and Waves
1. Damped and Driven harmonic oscillators
2. Travelling waves, impedance and sound
3. Diffraction and Interference (including Fourier Transforms)
4. Laws of Reflection and Refraction (Geometrical optics)
In Thermodynamics:
1. Heat transfer mechanisms
2. Ideal gas behaviour, P,V,T
3. Real gases and simple phase diagrams
4. 1st law and 2nd law
In Solid State Physics
1. Molecular bonding and potentials
2. Crystal structure and simple X-ray analysis
3. Material properties including elastic moduli
Skills outcomes
Understanding, explanation, derivation and problem solving in vibrations, waves, thermodynamics and solid state physics
Syllabus
Vibrations and Waves:
Oscillators: Simple, damped, driven, coupled.
Travelling and standing waves; wave equation.
Waves on strings, sounds waves, Doppler Effect.
Wave nature of light; interference, diffraction, reflection, refraction.
Mirrors, lenses, optical cavities.
Thermodynamics
0th, 1st, 2nd laws of Thermodynamics
Conduction, convection, radiation; expansion.
Kinetic theory, ideal gases, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, equipartition.
Real gases, van der Waals equation, phase changes.
PV diagrams, entropy.
Solid State Physics
Mechanics of solids, elementary bonding, elasticity.
Crystal structure, X-ray diffraction.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 66 | 1.00 | 66.00 |
Private study hours | 184.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 66.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 250.00 |
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Regular MCQs in each topic (Waves, Thermo, Solid State)Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
In-course Assessment | Regular coursework | 20.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20.00 |
Resists will be in standard exam format.
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3 hr 00 mins | 80.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80.00 |
Students will have to complete an in-person exam 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.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 28/11/2023
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD