| CODE | ENR0009 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Principles of Waves and Quantum Theory | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Faculty of Engineering | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | 1. Waves - The progressive wave; - Wave propagation; - Longitudinal and transverse progressive waves; - Measurement of the speed of sound in free air; - Electromagnetic waves; - Plane polarisation. 2. Superposition of waves - The principle of superposition and the formation of stationary waves; - Stationary waves on strings as demonstration of resonance states; - Demonstration of diffraction of microwaves and visible light at a slit; - Importance of resolving power for instruments; - Interference of light waves in the two-slit experiment; - Optical transmission grating. 3. Optics - Laws of reflection and refraction; - Refractive index. Snell’s law in terms of the ratio of velocities in different media; - Total internal reflection and critical angle; - Refraction of light by thin converging and diverging lenses. 4. Quantum Theory - The photoelectric effect; - Energy levels within the atom; - Wave properties of electrons. 5. Nuclear Physics - Alpha scattering experiment; - The need for the strong nuclear force between nucleons; - Nuclear size; - Sub-atomic structure and elementary particles; - Deep inelastic scattering as experimental evidence of the existence of quarks; - Stable and unstable nuclei; - The neutrino. The positron as an example of antimatter; - Binding energy; - Fission and fusion; - Properties of alpha, beta (+ and −) and gamma radiation; - Radioactivity as a random process; - The law of radioactive decay; - Determination of the half-life of radon. Study-unit Aims: To provide: - Core concepts of classical wave theory, quantum theory and nuclear physics; - An introductory overview to the application of these concepts in engineering practice. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain wave propagation, reflection and diffusion; - Describe the working principles of common engineering instruments working on the concept of wave theory; - Describe and relate quantum theory to common engineering material characterisation applications; - Explain how nuclear energy can be used in common engineering applications. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply wave theory to solve simple engineering problems (such as sound, signal transmission, etc); - Identify systems utilizing nuclear science concepts for power generation, medical equipment and medicine, food industry, etc. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Nelkon, M., & Parker, P. (1987). Advanced level physics (6th ed.). Heinemann Educational. - Nelkon, M. (1988). Advanced level physics : Examples and exercises (6th ed.). Heinemann Educational. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study and Practical | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Liam Butler |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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