Study information

Properties of Matter - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEProperties of Matter CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY1024 MODULE CONVENERDr Freddie Withers (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
In this module, 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 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.
 
AIMS - intentions of the module
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.
 
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
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 - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. Introduction
Brief historical survey.
II. Temperature and Related Topics
  1. Thermometric systems and properties
  2. Constant-volume gas thermometer
  3. Triple point of water
  4. The ideal-gas temperature
  5. Temperature scales
  6. Equations of state
  7. State variables
  8. p/V isotherms
  9. Van der Waals equation of state
  10. Thermal expansion
  11. Quantity of heat
  12. Heat Capacity and latent heat
  13. Phase changes
  14. Mechanisms of heat transfer: Conduction, convection and radiation.
III. The Ideal Monatomic Gas
  1. Pressure
  2. Microscopic interpretation of temperature
  3. Internal energy of an ideal gas
  4. Equipartition of energy
  5. Polyatomic gases
  6. Distribution functions
  7. The one-component Maxwell velocity distribution
  8. The Maxwell speed distribution
  9. The mean speed, mean square speed and 'most probable' speed
  10. The mean free path and thermal conductivity
  11. Equipartition of energy
IV. Elasticity
  1. Elastic behaviour
  2. Types of stress and strain: tensile, shear, bulk
  3. Young's modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, Poisson ratio
  4. Plastic behaviour
  5. Isotropic materials
  6. Elastic energy
V. 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
VI. 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
VII. 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
    • in inert gas solids - the Lennard-Jones form
    • 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
VIII. 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
IX. Structure of Solids
  1. Atoms in gases, liquids, and solids
  2. Interatomic forces in simple liquids
  3. Liquid crystals: nematic and smectic
X. Structure of Amorphous Solids
  1. Lack of long-range forces
  2. Radial distribution function
  3. Glasses
XI. 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
XII. Broad Classification of Solids
  1. Metals and non-metals
  2. Metallic, ionic, covalent, molecular, and hydrogen-bonded crystals
XIII. 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 (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 34 Guided Independent Study 116 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 22 hours 22×1-hour lectures
Guided independent study 30 hours 5×6-hour self-study packages
Guided independent study 14 hours 7×2-hour problems sets
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 9 hours Problems class support
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 3 hours Tutorial support
Guided independent study 72 hours Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Exercises set by tutor (0%) 3×1-hour sets (typical) (Scheduled by tutor) 1-8 Discussion in tutorials
Guided self-study (0%) 5×6-hour packages (Fortnightly) 1-8 Discussion in tutorials
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 10 Written Exams 90 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
7 × Problems Sets 10% 2 hours per set (Weekly) 1-8 Marked in problems class, then discussed in tutorials
Mid-term Test 1 15% 30 minutes (Week 4) 1-8 Marked, then discussed in tutorials
Mid-term Test 2 15% 30 minutes (Week 8) 1-8 Marked, then discussed in tutorials
Final Examination 60% 120 minutes (May/June assessment period) 1-8 Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Whole module Written examination (100%) 1-8
August/September assessment period

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

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
An original assessment that is based on both examination and coursework, tests, etc., is considered as a single element for the purpose of referral; i.e., the referred mark is based on the referred examination only, discounting all previous marks. In the event that the mark for a referred assessment is lower than that of the original assessment, the original higher mark will be retained.
 
Physics Modules with PHY Codes
Referred examinations will only be available in PHY3064, PHYM004 and those other modules for which the original assessment includes an examination component - this information is given in individual module descriptors.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE:
 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Young, H. D. and R. A. Freedman University Physics with Modern Physics 14th Pearson 2015 978-1-292-10031-9
Extended Flowers, B.H. and E. Mendoza Properties of Matter Wiley 1970 0-471-26497-0
Extended Kittel, C. Introduction to Solid State Physics 8th edition Wiley 2005 978-0-471-41526-8
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY1021, PHY1025
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 15th December 2011 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 26th January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Crystals; Energy; Gas; Interatomic forces; Liquid; Matter; Pressure; Properties; Solid; Structures.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.