2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS1240 Quantum Physics and Relativity (Geophysics)

10 creditsClass Size: 40

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

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

A Level Physics and Maths or equivalent

This module is mutually exclusive with

PHYS1200	Physics 1- Fundamental Forces
PHYS1231	Introductory Physics (Geophysics)
PHYS1270	Quantum Mechanics and Electricity (Joint Honours)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

At the end of the nineteenth century, it was thought that all of physics was known. Albert Michelson claimed in 1894 that all that remained for physics was the filling in of the sixth decimal place. Little did he know that the dawn of the new century would bring with it two major revolutions: quantum theory and relativity. So significant were these changes that physics afterwards came to be known as 'modern physics'.In this course you will follow the historic discoveries that led to this new way of thinking and will cover the key concepts in their development.

Objectives

By the end of the module students should be able to:
- recall and use the transformation equations of Special Relativity
- summarize the evidence leading to the quantum theory of radiation
- recall the radiation laws of Stefan and Wien and sketch the form of the black body curve
- derive and use the Bohr equation for hydrogen like atoms
- summarize the evidence leading to the wave theory of matter
- use the de Broglie relationship to find the allowed energies of a particle confined to a box
- describe the properties of atomic nuclei and details of the nuclear binding energy curve
- deduce the form of the radioactive decay law.

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

Syllabus

- Evidence of quantum
- Bohr atom
- Lorentz Transformations
- Relativistic E,p
- Nuclear masses and binding energy Radioactive decay.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	9	1.00	9.00
Lecture	18	1.00	18.00
Private study hours			73.00
Total Contact hours			27.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

- Reading lecture notes and books
- Solving problems.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Tutorial sheets

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Problem Sheet	weekly	15.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		15.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 30 mins	85.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		85.00

Same as PHYS1200 and PHYS1230

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 22/08/2019

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