SFY0015 : Foundation Physics A
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Tiago Marinheiro
- Lecturer: Dr Adrian Oila
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
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
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.
Thermal & Material 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.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | Lab experiments. Including write up time. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 15 | 2:00 | 30:00 | Scheduled drop-in surgery via zoom. Email support available at any time. |
| Guided Independent Study | Distance Learning Advance Preparation | 1 | 140:00 | 140:00 | Advance preparation - module materials |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SFY0014 | Foundation Physics A2 |
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.
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
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 1 | M | 100 | Comprised of mini online test and a final examination. Online tests - 6*5% each) |
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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SFY0015's Timetable