Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

GCSE Science and Mathematics at Grade C or above.

Co Requisite Comment

SFY0001 Basic Mathematics if below Grade C in GCSE Mathematics

Aims

To introduce the basic aspects of forces, fields, thermal physics, atomic and nuclear physics are introduced without a requirement for A level physics. The module includes a practical work element.

Outline Of Syllabus

Forces and Fields

Introduction: units, dimensions, scalar and vector quantities, velocity, acceleration.

Forces: momentum, impulse, conservation of momentum, collisions. Newton’s laws. Gravitational and inertial mass.

Energy: work, energy, power, potential energy, conservation of energy.

Moments: centre of mass, centre of gravity.

Circular motion: angular velocity and acceleration, centripetal and centrifugal forces. Rotation about centre of mass, moment of inertia, angular momentum.

Fields: gravitational fields, potential and potential energy in fields. Inverse square law.

Structure of the atom

Atomic physics: Rutherford scattering experiment. The wave/particle nature of light. The photo-electric effect.
The photon and atomic structure. The Bohr model of the hydrogen atom. The spectrum of atomic hydrogen.
Multi-electron atoms. The Periodic Table. X-rays. X-ray production. Spectra. Absorption. Applications

Nuclear Physics: Atomic number, atomic weight, isotopes. Stability of nuclei.

Natural radioactivity: alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Sources of radiation. Half-life. Equation of radioactive decay.

Thermal Physics

Temperature: temperature scales and thermometers.

Heat: Heat capacity and calorimetry. Heat transfer. Conduction. Convection. Radiation.

States of matter: Kinetic theory of gases. Ideal gas laws. Thermal expansion of solids and liquids. Elastic properties. Phase changes. Latent heats.

Experimental Physics

Experimental physics is introduced, providing practice in the basic skills in scientific measurement and a background to the theoretical concepts taught in the module.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the elementary physics associated with:

•       the influence of forces on motion;
•       energy, and its conservation;
•       the concept of a field;
• reflection and refraction ,
• the dispersion of light,
• common optical instruments
•       the structure of the atom and the interaction of light with atoms;
•       the structure of the nucleus and its stability;
•       radioactivity and radioactive decay.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module students will be able to communicate effectively the scientific content of the module contributes to the written communications skills of the student. The scientific problem solving element enhances general problem solving skills and initiative.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The subject material is highly knowledge based and requires lectures to disseminate the material. The problems-solving classes enhance knowledge and consolidate the students’ understanding of the material.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module is intended to provide a factual knowledge base. A formal written examination is most appropriate in this case. The assessment of laboratory work is most readily obtained through the written reports.

Resit examination is the same. Resit of laboratory work by special exercise.
Special arrangement may be required for Study Abroad Students.

General Notes

This module contains lecture material that is taught in common with the module SFY0014

Original Handbook text:
Basic aspects of forces, fields, optics, atomic and nuclear physics are introduced without a requirement for A level physics. The module includes practical work.