Year:11/12
Department:Physics
Level:Part I
Learning Hours:80
Credit Points:8
Weight:0.2
Course Convenor:Dr E McCann
Status:Live
Assessment Rules
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CMod description
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An introduction to the fundamentals of classical
mechanics. Topics discussed include the scale and forces of the Universe,
kinematics, Newtons Laws dynamics, work, kinetic energy, potential energy,
translational motion, momentum, collisions and conservation laws, relativity.
Curriculum Design: Outline Syllabus
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The nature of physics. Experiment and uncertainty. Modelling. Deterministic vs. probabilistic.
The universe ascending in scale, planets, stars, the Sun, galaxies, the expanding universe, Classical physics/mechanics. Forces: gravitation, electromagnetism.
The universe descending in scale, atoms, condensed matter, nuclei, particles. Links with cosmology. Quantum physics/mechanics.
Forces: electromagnetism, strong nuclear, weak nuclear.
Relativity. Frames of reference.
Kinematics. Position, displacement, velocity and acceleration vectors. Motion in a straight line with constant acceleration. Motion in 2 dimensions. Projectile, circular motion.
Dynamics. Newton's laws. Concepts of force and energy. Relations between force, momentum, energy, power. Kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of energy and momentum. Collisions, impulse.
Chapters 1-8, 37in Y&F
Curriculum Design: Pre-requisites/Co-requisites/Exclusions
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A level Maths and Physics
Educational Aims: Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
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To give a road map of the Part I Physics course and introduce the scales and dimensions of the classical and quantum worlds.
To give a basic understanding of the physical principles which are fundamental to mechanics. The classical laws of Newton relating to forces and motion are discussed.
To give an understanding of the origin of conservation laws.
Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
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On completion of the module, students should be able to :
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understand the nature and methods of physics.
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appreciate the different scales of the Universe and the different areas of physics which relate to them.
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recognise the fundamental laws of mechanics, kinematics and dynamics.
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understand the principles of the conservation of energy and momentum.
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apply their knowledge to modelling real phenomena and situations.
Curriculum Design: Select Bibliography
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(E) H D Young & R A Freedman University Physics, Addison-Wesley, 11th Ed.
(R) Kaufmann & Freedman, Universe, Freeman
