SFY0014 : Foundation Physics A2
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Jerry Hagon
- Lecturer: Dr Adrian Oila
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To introduce the essentials of forces, energy, atomic and nuclear physics at foundation level without a requirement for A level physics.
Outline Of Syllabus
Mechanics
Kinematics: 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.
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.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Zoom drop in surgery E-mail support at any time |
| Guided Independent Study | Distance Learning Advance Preparation | 1 | 68:00 | 68:00 | Advance preparation - module materials |
| Total | 100:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SFY0015 | Foundation Physics A |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The subject material is highly knowledge based and requires lectures to disseminate the material. The problems-solving classes are required to enhance and consolidate the students’ understanding of the material.
Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Student’s should consult their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | A | 60 | Online test |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 10 | Online test |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 10 | Online test |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 10 | Online test |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 10 | Online test |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The module is intended to provide a factual knowledge base. A formal written examination is most appropriate in this case and the in course assessment encourages a consistent approach to learning.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SFY0014's Timetable