Course syllabus

Fysik – Våglära, termodynamik och atomfysik
Physics - Waves, Thermodynamics and Atomic Physics

FAFA05, 12 credits, G1 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2013/14
Decided by: Education Board B
Date of Decision: 2013-04-10

General Information

Main field: Technology.
Compulsory for: N1
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The aim of this course is for the student to acquire a fundamental knowledge of waves, optics, thermodynamics, atomic physics and applications within the areas. A good understanding of these parts of physics is essential for concept-building within rapidly developing research areas such as e.g. nanotechnology.

The course will also train the students ability of problem solving, modelling, experimental work and written as well as oral communication. The course is also aiming at stimulating the student to apply physics in explaining everyday phenomena.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Contents

It is important that the student understands how different parts of the course relate to each other and to rapidly developing research areas like e.g. nanotechnology. The laboratory work is essential for visualizing important concepts of physics.

The first part of the course deals with: Temperature and heat. Phase transitions. Equations of state for ideal and real gases. Friction and viscosity. Heat engines and refrigerators. Entropy and the laws of thermodynamics. Mechanical waves, interference and the Doppler effect. Sound intensity level and human hearing. Reflection of sound, ultrasound. Electromagnetic waves. Geometric optics and optical instruments. Diffraction and resolution. The grating spectrometer.

The latter part of the course deals with: Relativistic mechanics. Charge and wave properties of the electron. Atomic size and mass. Thermal radiation. Photoelectric effect. Models of the atom - from Bohr to a wave model. The world according to quantum mechanics. Matterwaves. Structure of the periodic system. Spontaneous and stimulated emission. Lasers, X-rays and radioactivity.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Compulsory exercises, written examination and passed laboratory work. The result on the written examination settles the final grade.

Parts
Code: 0108. Name: Physics - Waves, Thermodynamics and Atomic Physics.
Credits: 8. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Written examination. Contents: Mechanical waves, interference and the Doppler effect. Sound intensity level and human hearing. Reflection of sound, ultrasound. Electromagnetic waves. Geometric optics and optical instruments. Diffraction and resolution. The grating spectrometer. Relativistic mechanics. Charge and wave properties of the electron. Atomic size and mass. Thermal radiation. Photoelectric effect. Models of the atom - from Bohr to a wave model. The world according to quantum mechanics. Matterwaves. Structure of the periodic system. Spontaneous and stimulated emission. Lasers, X-rays and radioactivity.
Code: 0208. Name: Laboratory Projects and Reports.
Credits: 4. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Active participation in laboratory work. Passed written and oral project presentations. Passed compulsory assignments. Contents: Laboratory work: Experimental methodology, Doppler effect, diffraction of sound- and lightwaves, geometrical optics, heat engines, the spectrum of hydrogen, modern lightsources, photoelectric effect and ionizing radiation. Compulsory assignments in Thermodynamics.

Admission

The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: FAFA50, FAFA45

Reading list

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Elisabeth Nilsson, elisabeth.nilsson@ftf.lth.se
Course coordinator: Magnus Borgström, magnus.borgstrom@ftf.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.ftf.lth.se/index.php?id=59533