68201 Physics 2
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 68101 Physics 1 OR 68037 Physical Modelling
Recommended studies:
HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or 2, 33130 Mathematics 1 or 35010 Foundation Mathematics (or equivalent)
Description
This subject is a foundation for later-stage subjects. In this subject students learn about: electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, electromagnetism and induction, waves, physical optics, introductory atomic physics and quantum theory. Research linked to each of the topic areas, and which is happening within the School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences at UTS, is integrated into this subject.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | recognise the principles and laws of physics most relevant to current and future studies in the physical sciences. |
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| 2. | master and apply physics concepts to a range of problems in the physical sciences |
| 3. | effectively communicate experimental design, methods, findings and conclusions through semi-formal oral presentations in a laboratory context and a formal report |
| 4. | design, modify and evaluate experiments carried out in a laboratory context |
| 5. | develop problem solving strategies appropriate to new and context-rich situations |
| 6. | apply methods of analysis of experimental data, including graphical and numerical approaches |
| 7. | maintain a faithful record of work carried out in the laboratory, lecture and tutorial settings |
| 8. | apply skills in accessing information from a variety of sources including the Internet and the library |
| 9. | demonstrate the capacity to work both autonomously and collaboratively within time constraints |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of broad science concepts and explain specialised disciplinary knowledge. (1.1)
- Evaluate scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design and/or mathematical reasoning, analysis, and critical thinking to apply science and/or mathematic methodologies to real world problems. (2.1)
- Work autonomously or in teams to address workplace or community problems utilising best scientific practice, with consideration to safety requirements and ethical guidelines. (3.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas and justifications using appropriate communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with discipline experts, scientists, industry, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1.0 Disciplinary knowledge
Development of an understanding of the nature, practice and applications of Physics through lectures, tuorials and labs.
2.0 Research, inquiry and Critical Thinking
Development of an understanding of scientific inquiry by designing practical solutions to problems and undertaking careful and methodical analyses of data. Much of this will occur in the laboratory, which is a natural home for inquiry in physics. The process of engaging in, and communicating, the findings of inquiry enhances students’ capabilities in the areas of critical thinking and problem solving.
3.0 Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
Development of time management skills in order to work to schedules and meet deadlines. Develop an ability to work autonomously through journal activities done independently and collaboratively to complete tasks in laboratories and tutorials. Develop laboratory skills and data acquisition and handling methods in order to carry out scientific investigations ethically and responsibly.
5.0 Communication
Develop your ability to communicate in formal and informal situations in laboratories and workshops.
Teaching and learning strategies
Lectures: 2 hours online per week. Lectures provide an outline of key content and include worked examples. They are a guide for your learning and should help you stay focussed on the material covered in the subject. Additional explanations are provided in online videos while textbooks provide the most in-depth coverage. Immediate feedback of comprehension will be provided via in-class activities to assess student understanding of content.
Practical classes: 2-hr class on campus per week. Working in the laboratory is about building skills in teamwork, experiment planning, real world data collection and analysis, reporting and presentation as well as developing key technical skills with basic equipment. Prework for each lab class will help you assess your preparedness for the subject and prepare you for the work in the practical class. Feedback will be provided from demonstrators both face to face in the laboratory and with more detailed assessment of your logbook four times in the semester. See program for weeks when practical classes are held.
Workshops: 2-hr class on campus per week. The workshops will help you develop your learning of material outlined in online lectures. They will include problem solving sessions, a short overview of mathematics needed and peer discussion of new theory. You will work in small groups to develop solutions to problems and build your understanding of the theory. Immediate feedback will be provided during tutorial discussions.
Weekly quizzes: these short quizzes will support your learning by familiarising you with key concepts to be covered and helping you to assess your level of understanding. Completing the quizzes is required to unlock the resources on Canvas.
Expected weekly time investment per week in addition to the above hours: approx. 2-4 hours
Assumed Knowledge: Physics 1 (68101). You are also assumed to have a knowledge of mathematics including calculus, algebra and trigonometry.
An aim of this subject is to help you develop academic and professional language and communication skills to succeed at university and in the workplace. During the course of this subject, you will complete a milestone assessment task that will, in addition to assessing your subject-specific learning objectives, assess your academic English language proficiency. You may be guided to further language support after the completion of this subject if your results in this milestone task indicate you need more help with your language skills.
Content (topics)
This subject complements 68101 Physics 1. In Physics 2 you will learn about: electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, electromagnetism and induction, the mathematics for wave motion, physical optics, introductory atomic physics, and quantum theory. Research linked to each of the topic areas, and which is happening within the Faculty, is integrated into this subject. The content order may vary from year to year. A more detailed timetable is included later in this outline.
Content in detail
Note: Not all individual topics are covered in the lectures. You will need to read/review material (as recommended) outside class in preparation for effective class time.
1. Circuits: Charge and voltage; conductors, current; current density. Ohm's Law, resistivity, resistance; temperature coefficient of resistance. Joule heating in a circuit; emf and internal resistance of generators; resistors in series and parallel; simple circuits. Analysis of circuits using Kirchhoff's Laws (branch currents and loop currents); mention of input impedance and voltage transfer. AC circuits.
2. Mathematics describing wave motion: the mathematics for wave motion will be modelled and used in physical optics and quantum.
3. Fundamentals of Physical Optics: Electromagnetic spectrum; intensity; polarised light; interference and diffraction. Limits of resolution of an optical system; Rayleigh's criterion; diffraction grating; resolving power of a diffraction grating.
4. Electricity and Magnetism: Coulomb's law; electric force and electric field; force on a charge in an electric field; lines of force. Potential, potential difference, equipotential surfaces; electron volt; capacitance of parallel plate capacitor; energy in a charged capacitor; capacitors in series and parallel; dielectric materials. Magnetic effects of moving charges, definition of magnetic field. Force on a current element in a magnetic field; application to straight wires and to (rectangular) loops; torque and applications, including motor and galvanometer. Ampere's law; magnetic field near a long straight conductor and inside a long solenoid; force between long conductors; definition of ampere. Magnetism and magnets; magnetostatics, brief mention of magnetic materials and transformers. Electromagnetic induction; magnetic flux; Faraday's law; Lenz's Law; mention of eddy currents; applications; energy stored in an inductor.
5. Introduction to Quantum Physics: Uncertainty principle and the difference between classical and quantum physics. Waves and particles. Breakdown of classical physics: blackbody radiation. Photoelectric effect. Photons and the Einstein relationship. Matter waves and de Broglie relationship. Energy quantisation. Bohr model of the atom and spectrum of hydrogen. Particle in a box and quantum dots.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Laboratory program
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | Assessment in the practical class program consists of the following elements:
For the labs you will need to submit a worksheet to the demonstrator for feedback. Use this feedback to improve the quality of your work. Tips given will be crucial for the marked work later in the semester. The laboratory classes are designed to give you a basic competence with scientific instruments, measurements and safe working practices in a laboratory environment. If you miss a laboratory class, you must apply for special consideration and if granted, an alternative in-class arrangement may be made for the missed class. No online alternatives are offered in this subject. |
Assessment task 2: Midsession test
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on:
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Assessment task 3: Final examination
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Marks will be awarded based on your ability to: · answer short questions about physical principles, concepts and theory · apply appropriate problem solving strategies and mathematical techniques · develop qualitative and quantitative answers to problems, the latter to an appropriate number of significant figures |
Minimum requirements
English language proficiency: It is a requirement of this subject that you complete the formal laboratory report in Assessment Task 1. If you receive an unsatisfactory English language level for your report you may be required to attend Language Development Intensives. If you do not complete the formal laboratory report you will receive a Withheld (W) grade until you complete the report or attend Language Development programs.
Recommended texts
Halliday, Resnick and Walker, Fundamentals of Physics, Current Edition (10). Earlier editions are also of value.