| An analysis of simple harmonic motion will led to a study of damped oscillations and resonance. The properties of travelling waves will be discussed and the interference of waves, standing waves and resonance investigated. These general concepts will be applied to the study of sound, hearing, musical instruments and the Doppler effect. Discussion of electromagnetic induction and inductance will provide the basis for the discussion of alternating-current theory and electromagnetic waves. A discussion of geometrical optics will include reflection and refraction, and cover applications such as spherical mirrors, lenses, optical fibres, cameras, microscopes and telescopes. The wave nature of light will be described, followed by a study of the interference of light, diffraction and polarisation. Modern and atomic theory will then be introduced including a discussion of Planck's theory and quantisation of energy, de Broglie's hypothesis, wave-particle duality, the uncertainty principle, atomic structure, energy levels and X-rays. Special relativity will be introduced and properties and theories of the nucleus will be examined. Assessment is by examination and tests (60%), problem assignments (20%), practical work (20%). Prerequisite(s): None, although a knowledge of Year 12 physics units 3 and 4 would be an advantage. Programmes for which this course is required or in which it can be included:
Bachelor of Engineering (Computronics)
Bachelor of Technology (Computronics). |
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