Module Specifications..
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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Coursework Only |
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Description 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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the physical processes that underlie wave motion, optics, acoustics, special relativity and atomic and nuclear physics. 2. Describe the physical basis and experimental observations of wave motion, optics, acoustics, special relativity and atomic and nuclear physics. 3. Derive relevant equations describing wave motion, optics, acoustics, special relativity and atomic and nuclear physics from basic laws and principles. 4. Solve numerical problems, from information provided, on the topics covered. 5. Discuss the importance of wave motion, optics, acoustics, special relativity and atomic and nuclear physics in applied physics. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Oscillations and WavesOscillations and simple harmonic motion: transverse and longitudinal waves, superposition, speed, reflection, harmonic waves.Soundsound waves, sound intensity, Doppler effect.LightEM Spectrum, Sources of light, Geometrical optics; reflection, refraction, dispersion, achromatic optics; Physical optics; interference,diffraction, diffraction gratings, polarisationOptical systemsthe microscope, the telescope, the eye.Special RelativityEinstein's Postulates, time dilation, length contraction, the Lorentz Transformation, relativistic momentum and energy conservation.AtomClassical models, Planck's quantum hypothesis, the Bohr atom, The photoelectric effect; quantized energy; the de Broglie wavelength.The nucleusnucleons; 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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 0, Simulations, 0, Phet simulations, https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations /, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes
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