Module: Nuclear Physics & Relativity

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Nuclear Physics & Relativity
Module Code	PS207 (ITS) / PHY1036 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Van Kampen
Module Teachers	Miles Turner
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Array

Description

The first part of this module introduces the central ideas of the theory of relativity, and shows how these ideas lead to radical changes in our view of basic physical concepts, including space, time, energy and mass. We will see how a consistent relativistic approach leads to surprising results such as time dilation and the equivalance of mass and energy. In the second part of the module, we examine the influence of relativistic concepts in modern physics, ranging from the structure of the universe to nuclear physics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the central ideas of relativity theory, and contrast with them corresponding elements in classical theory
2. Express these central ideas in terms of the formal postulates of relativity theory
3. Show how the main relativistic effects (time dilation, Lorentz contraction, simultaneity failure, mass-energy equivalence), follow from the postulates
4. Solve problems involving the application of relativistic concepts
5. Explain how relativity theory applies to specific areas of modern physics (cosmology, atomic theory, nuclear physics)
6. Solve problems involving relativistic ideas in modern physics

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Independent Study	89	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Einstein's postulates
The alarming discovery that classical mechanics and the Maxwell electromagnetic theory are contradictory. Einstein's surprising conclusion that classical mechanics is at fault. Einstein's postulates of Special Relativity.

Special Relativity and its consequences
The implications of Einstein's postulates: Time dilation, Lorentz contraction, simultaneity failure, equivalance of mass and energy. Various examples of the use of these ideas and their unexpected consequences.

General Relativity and Cosmology
Introduction to the central ideas of General Relativity (the Einsteinian theory of gravity). Ideas about curved space-time.

Nuclear physics
Relativistic ideas applied to nuclear physics. Nuclear structure.

Particle Physics
Sub-atomic particles and the four forces of nature. Classification of particles.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
In Class Test	Problems involving the application of concepts covered in the lectures	20%	Once per semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

D.C. Giancoli: 2004, Physics: Principles with Applications, Pearson,
N. David Mermin: 1989, Space and Time in Special Relativity, Waveland,
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman and Lewis Ford: 2007, University Physics with Modern Physics, Pearson,
Edwin F. Taylor and John Archibald Wheeler: 1992, Spacetime Physics, W.H.Freeman,
Richard P. Feynman: 2007, Six Not-so-easy Pieces: Einstein's Relativity, Symmetry and Space-time, Penguin,
Roger Penrose and George Gamow: 1993, Mr Tompkins in Paperback, Cambridge,

Other Resources

None