PHY1003 Properties of Matter

2007-2008

Code: PHY1003
Title: Properties of Matter
Instructors: Dr P.G. Petrov
CATS credits: 10
ECTS credits: 5
Availability: unrestricted
Level: 1
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Background Assumed: AS level Physics or equivalent
Duration: Semester I
Directed Study Time: 22 lectures
Private Study Time: 66 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: 12 hours
Observation report: 2002/03 DAB

Aims

Understanding properties of condensed matter is both a basic aspect of physics and very important in view of its increasing technological importance. The coverage of condensed matter within the degree programmes is spread over a number of modules, this being the first. The aim of this module is to develop a sound understanding of the basic concepts of properties of matter. This is done at two levels. Topics such as elastic properties and hydrostatic properties are explained using experimental observations and macroscopic (large-scale) theories. Surface tension in liquids is explained using a molecular-level theory. This is followed by the a microscopic treatment of interatomic interactions, the ground-state electronic structure of atoms, and rotational and vibrational energy levels in molecules. The structure of liquid crystals is discussed in terms of different molecular arrangements. Finally, atomic structure and bonding in crystals with diamond structures and sodium chloride structures is described.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• describe some aspects of the properties of matter using simple physical concepts;
• follow without difficulty the contents of the modules Physics of Crystals (PHY2009), Solid State Physics I (PHY3102) and Solid State Physics II (PHYM401).

Transferable Skills

Expertise in using simple physical ideas for explaining some properties of condensed matter; Expertise in manipulating mathematical forms of interatomic forces and potentials, useful for advanced condensed matter modules to follow.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Lectures, problems classes, e-learning resources.

Assignments

Students are given some homework (which is not marked), and a few questions to do as a part of the Problem Class (which are marked and discussed in the Problems Class every week).

Assessment

Two 30-minute mid-semester tests (40%), problems classes (10%) and one 90-minute examination (50%).

Syllabus Plan and Content

Note: page references in square brackets refer to the recommended texts.

1. Elasticity
   1. Elastic behaviour
   2. Types of stress and strain: tensile, shear, bulk; Young's modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, Poisson ratio
   3. Plastic behaviour
   4. Isotropic materials
   5. Elastic energy
2. Hydrostatics
   1. Pressure in liquids
   2. Variation of pressure with height
   3. Pressure transmission: Pascal's law and its applications
   4. Buoyancy: Archimedes' principle and its applications
3. Surface Tension
   1. Definition
   2. Measurement of surface tension
   3. Molecular theory
   4. Surface energy
   5. Pressure inside a soap bubble and a liquid drop
   6. Capillarity
   7. Negative pressure and the cohesion of water
4. Microscopic Considerations for the Study of Properties of Matter
   1. Introduction and prehistory
   2. Rough calculation of molecular size and interatomic distance
   3. Forces holding atoms in condensed matter
   4. Short-range and long-range interatomic forces
   5. Interatomic potential
      1. in inert gas solids - the Lennard-Jones form
      2. in ionic solids - the Born-Meyer form
   6. General features of the interatomic potential-energy curve: energy depth; equilibrium interatomic distance; slope of the repulsive part of the curve; shape of the curve near its minimum; bulk modulus and the harmonic part of the curve; atomic vibrations and the harmonic part; speed of sound and the harmonic part; anharmonic part of the curve - thermal expansion and thermal conduction
   7. Thermal expansion: coefficients of linear and volume expansion
   8. Thermal stress
   9. Grüneisen's constant
5. Atomic and Molecular Structure
   1. Periodic table of the elements
   2. Ground state electronic configuration
   3. Structure of molecules: monatomic, diatomic, triatomic
   4. Shapes of molecules: linear, planar, three-dimensional
   5. Molecular spectra: rotational and vibrational energy levels
6. Structure of Solids
   1. Atoms in gases, liquids, and solids
   2. Interatomic forces in simple liquids
   3. Liquid crystals: nematic and smectic
7. Structure of Amorphous Solids
   1. Lack of long-range forces
   2. Radial distribution function
   3. Glasses
8. Structure of (Single) Crystals
   1. Prehistory
   2. Lattice: cubic lattice system and Bravais lattices (sc, fcc, bcc)
   3. Crystal structure = lattice & basis
   4. Rock-salt and diamond structures
9. Broad Classification of Solids
   1. Metals and nonmetals
   2. Metallic, ionic, covalent, molecular, and hydrogen-bonded crystals

Core Text

Young H.D. and Freedman R.A. (2000), University Physics (with Modern Physics) (10^th edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-60336-5 (UL: 530 YOU)

Supplementary Text(s)

Flowers B.H. and Mendoza E. (1970), Properties of Matter, Wiley, ISBN 0-471-26497-0 (UL: 530.4 FLO)

Formative Mechanisms

This module is supported by problems classes and tutorials. Students are able to monitor their own progress by attempting problems sheets provided in the lectures. The graded mid-semester test scripts are discussed by tutors. Students with specific problems should first approach their tutor, and if the problem is not resolved, the lecturer.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.