MODULE TITLE

Properties of Matter

 

CREDIT VALUE

15

MODULE CODE

PHY1024

MODULE CONVENER

Dr F. Withers

 

 

DURATION

TERM

1

2

3

Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)

150

WEEKS

T2:01-11

 

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

In this module, 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 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.

MODULE AIMS – intentions of the module

Understanding properties of 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.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

 On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. describe the molecular model of a gas,
  2. describe the kinetic theory of gases and use it to solve problems
  3. describe some of the properties of matter, and solve related problems, using simple physical concepts and models;
  4. use the concepts of the lattice, basis and the reciprocal lattice to describe crystal structures and solve problems involving elastic scattering;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. describe the concept of temperature and explain how it is measured,
  2. use physical ideas to explain some properties of condensed matter;
  3. manipulate mathematical forms of interatomic forces and potentials;
  4. use symbols that represent the numerical value and units of the physical quantities, and manipulate/evaluate expressions involving such symbols in a precise and consistent manner;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

  1. undertake guided self-study successfully;
  2. develop appropriate time-management strategies and meet deadlines for completion of work.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

  1. Introduction
    Brief historical survey.
  2. Temperature and Related Topics
    Thermometric systems and properties; Constant-volume gas thermometer; Triple point of water; The ideal-gas temperature; Temperature scales; Equations of state; State variables; p/V isotherms; Van der Waals equation of state; Thermal expansion; Quantity of heat; Heat Capacity and latent heat; Phase changes; Mechanisms of heat transfer: Conduction, convection and radiation.
  3. The Ideal Monatomic Gas
    Pressure; Microscopic interpretation of temperature; Internal energy of an ideal gas; Equipartition of energy; Polyatomic gases; Distribution functions; The one-component Maxwell velocity distribution; The Maxwell speed distribution; The mean speed, mean square speed and 'most probable' speed; The mean free path and thermal conductivity; Equipartition of energy.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Microscopic Considerations for the Study of Properties of Matter
    1. Rough calculation of molecular size and interatomic distance
    2. Forces holding atoms in condensed matter
    3. Short-range and long-range interatomic forces
    4. Interatomic potential
      1. in inert gas solids - the Lennard-Jones form
      2. in ionic solids - the Born-Meyer form
    5. 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
    6. Heat-capacity
    7. Thermal expansion: coefficients of linear and volume expansion
    8. Thermal Conductivity
    9. Thermal stress
    10. Grüneisen's constant
  8. 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
  9. Structure of Solids
    1. Atoms in gases, liquids, and solids
    2. Interatomic forces in simple liquids
    3. Liquid crystals: nematic and smectic
  10. Structure of Amorphous Solids
    1. Lack of long-range forces
    2. Radial distribution function
    3. Glasses
  11. Structure of (Single) Crystals
    1. Lattice: cubic lattice system and Bravais lattices (sc, fcc, bcc)
    2. Crystal structure = lattice & basis
    3. Rock-salt and diamond structures
  12. Broad Classification of Solids
    1. Metals and non-metals
    2. Metallic, ionic, covalent, molecular, and hydrogen-bonded crystals
  13. X-Ray Diffraction and the Reciprocal Lattice
    1. Examples of X-ray diffractometers
    2. Bragg scattering
    3. Miller indices
    4. Reciprocal lattice
    5. Laue conditions for diffraction
    6. Bragg scattering (k-space)
    7. Ewald sphere

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING

 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities  

34 hours

Guided independent study  

116 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

 

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

 Category 

 Hours of study time 

 Description 

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

22 hours

22×1-hour lectures

Guided independent study

30 hours

5×6-hour self-study packages

Guided independent study

14 hours

7×2-hour problems sets

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

9 hours

Problems class support

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

3 hours

Tutorial support

Guided independent study

72 hours

Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT

 

 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

ILOs assessed

Feedback method

Exercises set by tutor

3×1-hour sets (typical)

1-8

Discussion in tutorials

Guided self-study

5×6-hour packages

1-8

Discussion in tutorials

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework

10%

Written exams

90%

Practical exams

0%

 

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

 

% of credit

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

 ILOs assessed 

Feedback method

7 × Problems Sets

10%

2 hours per set

1-8

Marked in problems class, then discussed in tutorials

Mid-term Test 1

15%

30 minutes

1-8

Marked, then discussed in tutorials

Mid-term Test 2

15%

30 minutes

1-8

Marked, then discussed in tutorials

Final Examination

60%

120 minutes

1-8

Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

 DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment

 Form of re-assessment 

ILOs re-assessed

Time scale for re-assessment

Whole module

Written examination (100%)

1-8

August/September assessment period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES  

See Physics Assessment Conventions.

 

RESOURCES

 

 INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES -  The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener.

Core text:

Supplementary texts:

ELE:

CREDIT VALUE

15

ECTS VALUE

7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES

Vector Mechanics (PHY1021) and Mathematics Skills (PHY1025)

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

none

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)

4

AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING

NO

ORIGIN DATE

01-Oct-10

LAST REVISION DATE

N/A

KEY WORDS SEARCH

Physics; Crystals; Energy; Gas; Interatomic forces; Liquid; Matter; Pressure; Properties; Solid; Structures.

Module Descriptor Template Revised October 2011