Module Code - Title:
PH4102
-
WAVES/LIGHT/MODERN PHYSICS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
PH4131
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To introduce the student to general wave motion, optics and acoustics and to provide the student with a general introduction to special relativity and to atomic and nuclear physics.
Syllabus:
Oscillations and simple harmonic motion: transverse and longitudinal waves, superposition, speed, reflection, harmonic waves. Sound: sound waves, sound intensity, Doppler effect. Light: EM Spectrum, Sources of light, Geometrical optics; reflection, refraction, dispersion, achromatic optics; Physical optics; interference, diffraction, diffraction gratings, polarisation; Optical systems; the microscope, the telescope, the eye. Special Relativity: Einstein's Postulates, time dilation, length contraction, the Lorentz Transformation, relativistic momentum and energy conservation. Atom: Classical models, Planck's quantum hypothesis, the Bohr atom, The photoelectric effect; quantized energy; the de Broglie wavelength.The nucleus: nucleons; isotopes; nuclear structure; binding energy. Radiation: X rays, alpa, beta and gamma radiation, the law of radioactive decay. fission and fusion; nuclear reactors. Detection, dosage.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Discuss the physical processes that underlie wave motion, optics, acoustics, special relativity and atomic and nuclear physics.
Describe the physical basis and experimental observations of wave motion, optics, acoustics, special relativity and atomic and nuclear physics.
Derive relevant equations describing wave motion, optics, acoustics, special relativity and atomic and nuclear physics from basic laws and principles.
Solve numerical problems, from information provided, on the topics covered.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Discuss the importance of wave motion, optics, acoustics, special relativity and atomic and nuclear physics in applied physics.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Perform experiments requiring precise measurement.
Use mechanical, optical, acoustical and electronic apparatus for observation and measurement.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Students will learn through interactive lecture, laboratory, experiential tutorial and home work, short projects, learing center.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Hugh D. Young and Roger A. Freedman (2007)
University Physics with Modern Physics 12th Edition
, Addison Wesley
Raymond A. Serway and John W. Jewett (2007)
Physics for Scientists and Engineers 7th Edition
, Brooks Cole
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Robert.Lynch@ul.ie