PY2N20
Module PY2N20 Modern Physics and Materials
Cohort: SF Nanoscience, Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials
Credits: 10
This module combines three elements of modern physics and an introduction to materials as follows:
Special Relativity
Lecturers: Professor C. Patterson
Duration: Hilary Term, 12 lectures
Description:
Frames of reference and relativity principles. The Michelson-Morley experiment. Einstein's postulates, simultaneity, the Lorentz transformations, the Fitzgerald-Lorentz contraction, time dilation, transformation of velocities. Relativistic dynamics - mass, energy and momentum.
Quantum Physics
Lecturers: Professor J. Pethica
Duration: Hilary Term, 12 lectures
Description:
Origins of quantum physics. Black body radiation. Photoelectric effect. Compton Effect. De Broglie's Postulate. The Uncertainty Principle. Atomic spectra. Bohr model of the atom. Correspondence Principle. Steady-state Schrödinger equation. Particle in an infinite square well. Finite square well. Simple harmonic oscillator. Particle at potential step. Tunnelling through a barrier. Quantum theory of Hydrogen atom.
Nuclear Physics
Lecturers: Professor E.C. Finch
Duration: Hilary Term, 12 lectures
Description:
Scattering. Cross-sections. Rutherford scattering. Nuclear force. Nuclear binding. Nuclear masses. Mass defect. Mass dependence of binding energy per nucleon. Beta decay. Electron, positron emission. Electron capture. Decay chains. Alpha decay. Heavy element decay chains. Barrier penetration mechanism. Gamma decay. Radioactive decay law. Analysis of parent-daughter activity relationships. Nuclear fission. Liquid drop model. Fission products. Induced fission. Nuclear reactors. Neutron moderation. Control and delayed neutrons. Reactor types. Environmental and other concerns. Fuel cycle. Nuclear fusion. Fusion reactors.
Materials Properties and Phase Diagrams
Lecturers: Professor P. Stamenov
Duration: Hilary Term, 12 lectures
Description: Mechanical properties of materials: Stress, strain, elastic and plastic deformation. The concepts of dislocations and strengthening mechanisms. Failure: fracture, fatigue and creep. Phase diagrams: The aim of this course is to introduce Liquid-Solid equilibria and to understand how a phase diagram is constructed and what information can be extracted from it. A direct application will be the study of the Fe-C system. Binary phase diagram, two phase equilibria (solubility / solid solution, lever rule), three phase equilibria (formation of compounds, eutectic), ternary phase diagram, application to the Fe-C system.