PHY1024 Properties of Matter

2011-2012

Code: PHY1024
Level: 1
Title: Properties of Matter
Instructors: Dr P.G. Petrov
CATS Credit Value: 15
ECTS Credit Value: 7.5
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Duration: T2:01-11
Availability: unrestricted
Background Assumed: -

Total Student Study Time

150 hours, to include: 22×1-hour lectures; 44 hours directed self-study; 9 hours of problems class support; 3 hours of tutorial support; 72 hours private study.

Aims

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.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

Module Specific Skills:
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;
Discipline Specific Skills:
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.
Personal Transferable Skills:
1. undertake guided self-study successfully;
2. meet deadlines for completion of work for problems classes and develop appropriate time-management strategies.

Learning / Teaching Methods

Lectures, e-Learning resources (ELE PHY1024), and problems classes.

Assessment and Assignments

Contribution	Assessment/Assignment	Size (duration/length)	When
10%	Problem Sets	7×2hrs	Weekly
15%	Mid-term Test 1	30 minutes	Week T2:04
15%	Mid-term Test 2	30 minutes	Week T2:08
60%	Final examination	120 minutes	Term 3
Formative	Guided self-study	5×6-hour packages	Fortnightly

Syllabus Plan and Content

Introduction
Brief historical survey.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Structure of Solids
1. Atoms in gases, liquids, and solids
2. Interatomic forces in simple liquids
3. Liquid crystals: nematic and smectic
Structure of Amorphous Solids
1. Lack of long-range forces
2. Radial distribution function
3. Glasses
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
Broad Classification of Solids
1. Metals and non-metals
2. Metallic, ionic, covalent, molecular, and hydrogen-bonded crystals

Core Text

Young H.D. and Freedman R.A. (2011), University Physics (with Modern Physics) (13^th edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 978-1-292-02063-1 (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)

IOP Accreditation Compliance Checklist

SM-01: Kinetic theory of gases and the gas laws to the level of Van der Waals equation.
SS-01: Mechanical properties of matter to include elasticity and thermal expansion.
SS-02: Inter-atomic forces and bonding.
SS-04: Crystal structure and Bragg scattering. (See also PHY2024.)

Formative Mechanisms

Students monitor their own progress by attempting the problem sets which will be discussed in classes. Students who need additional guidance are encouraged to discuss the matter with the lecturer or their tutor.

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.