PH2012 Physics 2B
Academic year
2024 to 2025 Semester 2
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
30
SCQF level
SCQF level 8
Planned timetable
10:00 Workshop and lab one afternoon 14:00 - 17:30
Module Staff
TBC
Module description
This module covers the subjects of quantum physics, electricity and magnetism and classical waves. It includes lectures on the origin of Schroedinger's equation in quantum mechanics and its solution for simple one-dimensional potentials; an elementary introduction to the electromagnetic field comprising electrostatics, magnetostatics, electromagnetic induction and circuit theory; and lectures on waves and interference.
Relationship to other modules
Pre-requisites
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PH2011
Assessment pattern
Written Examination = 60%, Coursework = 40%
Re-assessment
Written Examination = 60%, Coursework = 40%
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
4 or 5 x 1hr lectures x 11 weeks, 1 hr tutorial x 10 weeks, 2.5-hr laboratory x 10 weeks, 1 hr workshop x 10 weeks
Scheduled learning hours
95
Guided independent study hours
205
Additional information from school
Aims & Objectives
To present a broad and mathematically founded introductory account of electricity and magnetism, classical waves and quantum physics.
The ability to reason through scientific concepts, to relate different concepts to one another and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the areas covered in the courses with a toolkit of problem-solving techniques.
Laboratory skills, including the planning of experimental investigations, the use of modern test equipment, and the construction of electronic circuits.
An appreciation of the value of learning of physics as a transformative experience in terms of motivated use (using physics beyond the course e.g. in everyday situations) and expansion of perception (seeing the world through the lens of physics).
The practical work of the module will develop a competence in using some of the standard equipment in physics laboratories, the analysis of experimental uncertainties and the presentation of experimental data in scientific reports.
The module will develop the ability to reason through scientific concepts and to solve quantitative problems in the areas of electricity and magnetism, classical waves and quantum physics with a toolkit of problem-solving techniques.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
Represent transverse and longitudinal waves and waves in one, two and three dimensions physically, mathematically and graphically and explain the connections between these representations.
Explain similarities and differences between different types of mechanical waves, and between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
Use the concepts of wave interference, energy transport and the behaviour at boundaries to calculate wave properties.
Compare and contrast classical and quantum descriptions of light and matter, give examples where one description or the other is valid, and summarise experimental evidence that support the use of either description.
Solve the Schrödinger equation for simple 1-D systems, and use these wave functions to calculate expectation values and measurement probabilities for observables such as energy, position and momentum.
State Coulomb’s Law and the Biot-Savart Law, Faraday’s Law and Lenz’s Law, the definitions of electric field, electric potential, capacitance, and inductance.
Apply the above laws and definitions to analyse a range of examples in electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electromagnetic induction.
Use the above ideas to justify aspects of DC circuit theory and apply this to solving simple electrical circuit problems.
Use Gauss’ Law and Ampere’s Law to solve a range of problems in electrostatics and magnetostatics.
Distinguish paramagnetism, diamagnetism, and ferromagnetism.
State concepts of pn junctions, design circuits using AC circuit theory, build and investigate electronic circuits.
Write and use computer programs to run simple experiments using microcontrollers.
Synopsis
Electricity and Magnetism: Basic electrostatics- Coulomb’s Law, electric field E, electric field from discrete and continuous distributions. Electric potential V, relation between E and V. DC circuit theory- electric current and drift velocity of charge-carriers. Electric potential and Kirchoff’s laws. Input and output impedance of circuits, equivalent circuits. Gauss’ law and capacitors- electric flux, Gauss’ law, use to solve fields around high-symmetry charge distributions, electrostatic shielding, capacitors, role of dielectric materials in capacitors. Magnetic effects of currents- forces on charges moving in a magnetic field, Biot-Savart law and application to long straight wire and coil, force between two current carrying wires and the definition of the units of current, Ampere’s law and examples. Electromagnetic Induction- Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law, induced electric fields, self and mutual inductance. Magnetic materials.
Classical Waves: Waves on stretched strings, the wave equation, wave velocity, transmission of energy, sound waves and light waves, the Doppler effect in sound, superposition of waves, standing waves, Fourier series, interference, Bragg scattering, beats, phase, dispersion, phase and group velocity, reflection and transmission of waves at an interface or boundary, the e-m spectrum, polarisation.
Quantum Physics: Photoelectric effect and photodetectors. Optical devices and single-photon experiments. Probabilistic measurements, expectation values. Entanglement and the physical interpretation of quantum mechanics. Wave functions and the Schrödinger equation in one dimension. Operators and eigenvalues. The uncertainty principle. Infinite- and finite-depth square well potential. Quantum tunnelling.
Laboratory work: students explore aspects of physics in a practical manner, broaden competence in various forms of experimental and diagnostic instrumentation and develop analysis skills. Explore the science behind passive, pn-junction and op-amp devices and their incorporation in circuit designs while developing practical skills in electronics and develop computational skills through work with microcontrollers. Develop scientific writing skills.
General Information
Please also read the additional information in the School's handbook for first and second level modules that is available via https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/