Senior Freshman Programme 2013/2014 - Trinity College Dublin

• Thermodynamics: First law of thermodynamics. Internal energy, heat
and work. Reversible and irreversible processes. Specific heat. Second
law of thermodynamics. Heat engines, Carnot cycles. Entropy.
Probability and disorder. Combined first and second laws. Central
equation. H, F, G. Maxwell's relations. Energy equations. Cooling
processes. Joule-Kelvin effect. Third law of thermodynamics. Van der
Waals model for real gases.
PY2P10 Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:
• Describe how classical physics is underpinned by wave optics and
thermodynamics.
• Solve basic problems in relation to harmonic oscillators.
• Relate the concept of oscillations to optical properties of matter and AC
circuits.
• Employ web-based research techniques in a small group project and
present the results in the form of a poster.
• Prepare an extensive report detailing methodology, data gathering and
interpretation of a physical experiment.
PY2P20 Modern Physics
10 Credits
(Co-ordinator: Prof Graham Cross: graham.cross@tcd.ie)
This module combines four elements of modern physics as follows:
• Special relativity: Frames of reference and relativity principles. The
Michelson-Morley experiment. Einstein's postulates. Simultaneity. The
Lorentz transformations. The Fitzgerald-Lorentz contraction. Time
dilation. Transformation of velocities. Relativistic dynamics - mass,
energy and momentum.
• Quantum Physics: Origins of quantum physics. Black body radiation.
Photoelectric effect. Compton Effect. De Broglie's Postulate. The
Uncertainty Principle. Atomic spectra. Bohr model of the atom.
Correspondence Principle. Steady-state Schrödinger equation. Particle
in an infinite square well. Finite square well. Simple harmonic
oscillator. Particle at potential step. Tunnelling through a barrier.
Quantum theory of Hydrogen atom.
• Nuclear Physics: Scattering. Cross-sections. Rutherford scattering.
Nuclear force. Nuclear binding. Nuclear masses. Mass defect. Mass
dependence of binding energy per nucleon. Beta decay. Electron,
positron emission. Electron capture. Decay chains. Alpha decay. Heavy
element decay chains. Barrier penetration mechanism. Gamma decay.
Radioactive decay law. Analysis of parent-daughter activity
relationships. Nuclear fission. Liquid drop model. Fission products.
Induced fission. Nuclear reactors. Neutron moderation. Control and
delayed neutrons. Reactor types. Environmental and other concerns.
Fuel cycle. Nuclear fusion. Fusion reactors.
• Observing the Universe: Basic astronomical definitions. The Earth
and Moon in space; co-ordinate systems. The Sun and stars, basic
stellar information (distance, luminosity, life cycle). The structure of
our Galaxy and other galaxies, variable and exploding stars as
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