Electricity and Waves

Abstract

This subject gives a thorough exploration into the fundamental areas of static and dynamic electricity, electromagnetism, wave motion as well as geometric and physical optics, forming a crucial component of calculus-based physics education. It delves into the fundamental principles that govern these fields, strengthening theoretical knowledge with a strong emphasis on practical experimentation. An integral part of this course is the inclusion of laboratory work, which serves multiple purposes in the physics education of students. The practical component allows students to translate abstract theoretical concepts into observable phenomena. It also develops critical thinking skills as they analyze experimental data and draw evidence-based conclusions. The practice of writing detailed laboratory reports enhances their communication skills, requiring them to articulate their findings in a clear, concise manner. This collaborative learning environment also encourages peer-to-peer communication, further refining students interpersonal skills.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Charge, Coulombs law, lines of force, electric field, E, flux, Gauss law, electric potential;Potential energy;Capacitors and capacitance, energy storage in electric field, parallel plate capacitor, dielectrics;Electromotive force, resistance, resistivity, Ohms law, multiloop circuits, Kirchoffs laws, RC circuits;Magnetic force on electric current, torque on … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Charge, Coulombs law, lines of force, electric field, E, flux, Gauss law, electric potential;
Potential energy;
Capacitors and capacitance, energy storage in electric field, parallel plate capacitor, dielectrics;
Electromotive force, resistance, resistivity, Ohms law, multiloop circuits, Kirchoffs laws, RC circuits;
Magnetic force on electric current, torque on current loop, Hall effect, Amperes laws, lines of magnetic field B, long solenoid, Biot-Savart law;
Faradays law of Induction, Lenzs law;
Mechanical waves, sound waves, wave equation, energy transmission, Doppler effect, resonance;
Huygens principle, laws of reflection and refraction, total internal reflection, spherical mirrors, thin lenses, simple optical instruments;
Polarising sheets, polarising by reflection, polarisation by scattering double refraction, Law of Malus;
Youngs experiment, phase change on reflection, Michelson interferometer, interference in thin films, single and double slit; and
Fraunhofer diffraction, diffraction grating, crystal diffraction.

Assessment items

1. Problem Set 1 - Electromagnetism

2. Laboratory report

3. Problem Set 2 - Waves and Optics

4. Online Examination

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

have a basic understanding of the manner in which charged bodies behave in an electric field;

understand the nature of the direct electric current and how it is affected by various circuit components;

understand the concept of capacitance and the manner in which it is utilised for the storage of energy;

understand the physical phenomena of wave motion;

understand the concepts of geometrical optics and apply them to simple optical instruments;

be able to conduct experiments which demonstrate some of the concepts developed during the study; and

be able to present experimental results in an acceptable manner, indicating the likely sources and magnitudes of any errors involved.

Learning activities

Intensive School

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Students must wear Closed-In shoes for attendance in the Laboratory. Students attending compulsory intensive schools on Charles Sturt campuses will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources.

Handbook

PHY102 - Electricity and Waves