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Physics 101 (560.101)

The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, full year, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information click on the Timetable link below.

Credit: 6 points  Availability: Semester 1 (See Timetable)

Outcomes: This unit develops the foundations of physics and is required for students intending to major in Physics, for students undertaking the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Engineering combined degree, and for engineering students. It is also suitable for students majoring in other subjects who desire a strong physics background. The emphasis of the lectures is on developing a sound understanding of the underlying physical principles with reference to a range of applications. The lectures are complemented by a series of laboratory tasks designed to develop and reinforce understanding of physical principles and measurement. Regular problem classes foster skills in problem identification and solution. Achievement of these attributes is assessed continuously in the laboratory classes and through problem class tests. An end-of-semester written examination assesses overall comprehension of the basic science covered in the unit.

Content: Topics covered include the following: Waves and optics—harmonic oscillations (energy conservation, forced oscillations, resonance); wave properties (energy flow, reflection, refraction, superposition); mechanical waves (sinusoidal waves, standing waves); sound waves (speed, Doppler effect, beats); light waves (refractive index, reflection, dispersion); interference (double slit, phasors, thin films, gratings); diffraction (single slit, circular aperture); polarised light; optical instruments; resolution. Electricity and magnetism—flux and Gauss' law; electric field and potential; potential energy; capacitance; dielectrics; energy density; electric current (but not circuit theory); magnetic field; Lorentz force; magnetic moment; torque on a dipole; Biot-Savart law; Ampere's law; fields of wires and solenoids; induction. Thermodynamics—heat and properties of matter: temperature and the zeroth law; heat, work and the first law of thermodynamics; entropy and the second law; low temperatures and the third law; kinetic theory of gases (heat capacities of ideal gases, equipartition, speed distribution function); elastic moduli. Quantum physics—experimental evidence for the failure of classical mechanics: blackbody radiation, Compton scattering, photoelectric effect, electron diffraction. Atomic physics—Bohr model, quantum numbers, atomic spectra. Principles of quantum mechanics—matter waves, uncertainty principle, energy quantisation.

Assessment: This comprises an examination (50 per cent), two tests during semester (30 per cent) and continuous assessment (20 per cent).

Unit Co-ordinator(s): Dr Peter Hammond

Location: UWA, Crawley

Mode: on-campus

Unit Rules:

Prerequisites: TEE Physics or its equivalent; proficiency in calculus is assumed. A knowledge of Chemistry to Year 12 level is helpful. Concurrent enrolment or a previous pass in Mathematics 101 (530.101) is required for students intending to major in Physics.

Books and other material listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units.