Physics 2A: Forces, Fields & Potentials (U00545)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : PHY-2-A

This course provides an introduction to clasical dynamics, special relativity and electromagnetism, at a somewhat more advanced level than the companion foundation course Physics 1A. It serves both as a preparation for further study in physics-based degree programmes, and as a stand-alone course for students of other disciplines, including mathematics, chemistry, computer science and engineering. The course is supported by a programme of tutorial workshops and includes an introductory module on Java programming and data analysis

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Physics 1A: Foundations (PHY-1-A), Physics 1B: The Stuff of the Universe (PHY-1-B) and Mathematics for Physical Science (Year 1) or specialist courses in Mathematics (Year 1); alternatively SCE Advanced Higher or A-level Physics and Mathematics at A-grade.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 2nd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 8 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
19/09/2006	09:00	09:50	Lecture Theatre A, JCMB	KB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	09:00	09:50	KB
Lecture	Tuesday	09:00	09:50	KB
Lecture	Thursday	09:00	09:50	KB
Lecture	Friday	09:00	09:50	KB

1 of the following 3 classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Laboratory	Mo	10:00	12:00	KB
Laboratory	Th	11:10	13:00	KB
Laboratory	Fr	10:00	12:00	KB

1 of the following 3 classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Laboratory	Mo	14:00	17:00	KB
Laboratory	We	14:00	17:00	KB
Laboratory	Th	14:00	17:00	KB

? Additional Class Information : Tutorial workshops two hours per week, as arranged. Laboratory sessions three hours per week, as arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, it is intended that a student will be able to:
1)understand Maxwells' Laws of Classical electromagnetism in integral form;
2)understand the role of the field. Specifically, understand that static charges give rise to an electric field, and that moving charges give rise to magnetic fields;
3)understand that electric fields can be described as a derivative of electric potential, and that electric potential as a scalar quantity provides a useful tool for attacking problems;
4)In dealing with problems of calculating fields, students should consider the role of symmetry and how it can simplify a problem;
5)understand the notions of a volume, surface and linear charge density, and know how to apply the principle of superposition of fields to calculate fields due to continuous charge distributions;
6)understand that changing magnetic fields produce electric fields (Faraday's Law) and that changing electric fields produce a magnetic field (Ampere-Maxwell Law);
7)understand that magnetic fields can be viewed as a relativistic phenomenon, based on a unified electromagnetic field;
8)understand the two basic postulates of Special Relativity;
9)understand the phenomena of time dilation (moving clocks run slow) and Lorentz contraction;
10)understand that the notion of simultaneity depends on the reference frame;
11)understand how velocities transform in relativistic mechanics, the definition of relativistic linear momentum,
total energy and kinetic energy;
12)understand that in the limit of low speeds the relativistic results should correspond to the results of classical Newtonian physics;
13)understand what is meant a rest mass energy.