Description

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. 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.

Module Aims

This module pre-dates the current template; refer to the description above and the following ILO sections.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module 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:
  5. describe the concept of temperature and explain how it is measured,
  6. use physical ideas to explain some properties of condensed matter;
  7. manipulate mathematical forms of interatomic forces and potentials;
  8. 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:
  9. undertake guided self-study successfully;
  10. develop appropriate time-management strategies and meet deadlines for completion of work.

Syllabus Plan

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

Assessment

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Young H.D., Freedman R.A. and Ford A.L. (2013), University Physics with Modern Physics Technology Update (13^th edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 978-1-292-02063-1 (UL: 530 YOU)

Supplementary texts:

• Flowers B.H. and Mendoza E. (1970), Properties of Matter, Wiley, ISBN 0-471-26497-0 (UL: 530.4 FLO)
• Kittel C. (2005), Introduction to Solid State Physics (8^th edition), Wiley, ISBN 978-0-471-41526-8 (UL: 530.41 KIT)

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy1024

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous