Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics:   PHY1031 – Waves, Particles and Quanta module or equivalent   PHY1012 – Mathematics Module       Experimentation (Classical):   PHY1011 – Experimental Physics Module

Electromagnetism:   Starting from basic principles such as Coulomb’s Law, this component gives an introduction to basic electromagnetism, theory, applications and problem-solving, developing over a series of lectures eventually to establish three of Maxwell’s equations.     Thermal Physics:   To introduce the basic principles of classical equilibrium thermodynamics.  To explain and apply the four Laws of Thermodynamics in problem solving. To introduce the concepts of entropy and free energy and to understand their relevance in the world.  To develop skills in using mathematics to describe thermodynamic processes.     Statistical Physics:   This course introduces the basic ideas of statistical physics, the area of physics used to study systems such as gases, liquids and solids, which have large numbers of possible states. It will introduce the basic ideas of statistical physics, study a simple application, and demonstrate why thermodynamics works for macroscopic objects.     Experimentation (Classical):   To build on the foundation of earlier practical classes and emphasize the motivations for performing experiments both to verify theory and to improve understanding.  The importance of keeping a laboratory notebook (diary) and the clear presentation of results will be stressed.

Electromagnetism:   The outcomes are competence in basic electromagnetic theory, applications and problem solving, and an appreciation of the fundamental importance of EM to many other fields in physics     Thermal Physics:   The student will gain competence in classical thermodynamics and appreciate its fundamental importance in the physical world.  The student will develop an understanding of the four Laws of Thermodynamics and will gain an ability to apply them in the analysis of simple thermodynamic systems.  The student will know the definitions of thermodynamic terms and will be able to solve algebraic and numerical problems in thermodynamics.     Statistical Physics:   You should be able to state Shannon ’s expression for the entropy and the partition function at constant temperature, and derive both the Boltzmann weight of a state at constant temperature and also the weight of a state at constant chemical potential/Fermi level. You should also understand why a statistical approach is required in the study of matter such as gases, liquids and solids. In addition you should be familiar with the role of fluctuations, and be able to calculate the properties of the two-level system. Also, the expression for the partition function for a simple classical particle and the equipartition theorem.     Experimentation (Classical):   On successful completion you should be able to perform an experiment of intermediate difficulty, either involving practical or computational skills, by following written instruction.  You will be able to keep a comprehensive diary of activity, recording results in a form useful to others, and to complete a full by selective report, based on the diary, in the style of a scientific paper.  The specific practical skills gained will vary according to the choice of experiments.

Electromagnetism:   The basic principles of electrostatics, dielectrics and magnetism are laid down.  Three of Maxwell's integral equations are established.     Electric charge, Coulomb's Law, Electric Field E, Principle of Superposition, Electrostatic Potential V, Conservative nature of E, Equipotentials, Flux, Gauss's Law, Insulators & Conductors, Capacitors, Energy of a charged capacitor.     Energy storage in E-field, Dielectrics, Electric Polarisation P, Electric Displacement D, first Maxwell equation, Dielectric permittivity, Electric Susceptibility, Dielectric Screening, Boundary conditions for D and E.     Electric current and current density j, Charge continuity, Magnetic field B, Biot-Savart Law, Gauss' Law for magnetism (second Maxwell equation), Force between two conductors, The Amp, Lorentz force, Hall effect, Ampere's Law.     Electromagnetic Induction, Faraday’s Law (third Maxwell equation), Mutual and self inductance, Energy storage in B-field, Magnetic torque, Magnetic dipoles.     Thermal Physics:   The basic principles of classical thermodynamics are introduced and applied to a range of simple systems (mainly solids and gases).      The module will closely follow the first eight chapters of Finn's Thermal Physics.  Main topics (in order of presentation) are Temperature (thermal equilibrium, Zeroth Law, equations of state, scales); Work (reversibility; thermodynamic method, sign convention and calculations); First Law (heat, heat capacity, ideal gases); Second Law (Carnot cycles, efficiency, Kelvin and Clausius statements; heat engines and refrigerators); Entropy (definitions, principle of increasing entropy, ideal gases, heat death); Maxwell's relations (thermodynamic potentials, free energies); Thermodynamic relations (difference and ratio of heat capacities; partial differentials);  Applications and examples, as time permits.     Statistical Physics:   A course introducing the statistical description of macroscopic matter in terms of the microscopic constituents, with applications that include the underpinning of the laws of thermodynamics, and the thermal properties of gases and condensed matter.   It includes Shannon ’s expression for the entropy and the partition function at constant temperature, the Boltzmann weight of a state at constant temperature and also the weight of a state at constant chemical potential/Fermi level. Also the role of fluctuations. An application to a simple system: a two-level system at fixed temperature. Finally, the expression for the partition function for a simple classical particle and the equipartition theorem.       Experimentation (Classical):   You will perform a selection of three experiments with the general theme of electromagnetism, thermal physics, etc.  You will produce 6 lab diary entries and either a full report or oral presentation on one experiment.  You will receive detailed marking and feedback on how to improve the usefulness of both, to yourself and others.  Typical experiments include: measurement of e/m for the electron, Coulomb's Law, a macroscopic model of nuclear magnetic resonance, plotting of magnetic fields and application to magnetic resonance imaging, waves in transmission lines, adiabatic gas expansion, thermal radiation, and others.

Electromagnetism:   39 hours of lectures and tutorial periods.     Thermal Physics:   39 hours of lectures and tutorial periods.     Statistical Physics:   12 Hours of lecture classes.     Experimentation (Classical):   Six four-hour laboratory sessions.

Electromagnetism:   i.                Grant & Philips, Electromagnetism, Wiley.   ii.              Halliday, Resnick and Walker , Fundamentals of Physics, [Extended Fifth Edition], Wiley.     Thermal Physics:   Required Reading :   i.                C B P Finn, Thermal Physics, Chapman & Hall [Library code 536.7].     Recommended Reading :   i.                C J Adkins, Equilibrium Thermodynamics, Cambridge [Library code 536.7]   ii.              M W Zemansky & R H Dittman, Heat and Thermodynamics, McGraw-Hill Int., 7th Edition [Previous editions in the library are by the first author only, 536.7].     Statistical Physics:   i.               M. Glazer and J. S. Wark, Statistical Mechanics: A Survival Guide, ( Oxford ).   ii.             K. Huang, Introduction to Statistical Physics, ( Taylor and Francis).   iii.           D. Chandler, Introduction to Modern Statistical Mechanics, ( Oxford ).     Experimentation (Classical):   Required Reading :   i.                Laboratory instruction sheets provided.   ii.               Physics Laboratory Handbook: Level 1, Physics Department.     Recommended Reading :   i.                Squires, Practical Physics, McGraw Hill.

August 2010.