Physics of Everyday Life - 2025 entry

This module is composed of four different blocks:

 

(1) Newtonian classical mechanics.

(2) Thermodynamics.

(3) Lagrangian mechanics and special relativity.

(4) The structure of our Universe.

1st block: Our interest in mechanics arises from its general applicability to a vast number of familiar phenomena. This module provides meaningful and easily visualizable problems which allow the development of the skills of problem solving, required in all the fields of physics. It provides the necessary background to later modules that will apply the principles of mechanics to the solution of more complex problems.

 

2nd block: The aim of classical thermodynamics is to describe the states and processes of systems in terms of macroscopic directly measurable properties. It was largely developed during the Industrial Revolution for practical purposes, such as improving the efficiency of steam-engines, and its famous three laws are empirically based. The aim of statistical mechanics, which had major contributions from Maxwell, Boltzmann and Gibbs, is to demonstrate that statistical methods can predict the bulk thermal properties of a system from an atomistic description of matter. The theory provides the only tractable means of analysing the almost unimaginable complexity of an N-body system containing 1023 particles. The classical second law of thermodynamics finds a natural explanation in terms of the evolution of a system from the less probable to the more probable configurations.

 

3rd block: This aim of this part of the module is to introduce some basic concepts in Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, and in special relativity, and illustrates their applications to relevant problems. The module provides a first look at the calculus of variations, the Lagrangian formulation of dynamics (and, briefly, the Hamiltonian formulation as well), and at relativistic mechanics (including the Lorentz transform and relativistic energy and momentum conservation), all of which form the basis for more advanced work tackled in later years.

 

4th block: This module uses lectures and guided self-study to provide students with a holistic picture of the Universe we live in, placing our Earth, Solar System, and Milky Way in a broader cosmological context. Core concepts from (theoretical) physics will be introduced and discussed to achieve a deeper understanding of the sometimes exotic objects we will encounter, and the ways in which astrophysicists study and describe them. 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

 

1st Block

1 use vector notation consistently and correctly as an integral part of solving problems;

2 recognise and describe the forces that are relevant in a given mechanics situation;

3 describe the origin of and relationship between these forces, and to describe what their consequences will be in a given mechanics situation;

4 solve a range of mechanics problems given in the lectures and in problem sets;

 

2nd Block

5 explain the nature of classical entropy, and its relationship to the second law of thermodynamics;

6 determine the maximum efficiency of simple heat-engines and heat pumps;

7 calculate the equilibrium energy distribution of a system using the Boltzmann distribution;

8 explain the origin of the second law from a statistical viewpoint;

9 describe the significance of various thermodynamic potentials and deduce relations between them;

10 demonstrate, by calculating certain properties of real gases, an understanding of the limitations of the ideal gas law;

11 calculate bulk thermodynamic properties such as heat capacity, entropy and free energy from the partition function;

12 predict whether a gas constitutes a classical or a quantal gas, and explain key differences in the behaviour of these;

 

3rd Block

13 solve advanced dynamical problems involving classical particles by applying the Lagrangian formulation and the Euler-Lagrange equations;

14 explain the calculus of variations and apply it to the solution of problems;

15 Describe the relationship between symmetries and conserved quantities;

16 Describe the postulates of, and experimental evidence for, special relativity

17 Solve problems in relativistic mechanics

 

4th Block

18 describe the Universe and explain and interpret the evidence base for the description;

19 use astronomical terms and units of measurements appropriately;

20 apply physical principles to diverse areas of astrophysics;

 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

21 apply general problem-solving strategies

22 making appropriate approximations when solving problems;

23 apply general problem-solving strategies

24 demonstrate a knowledge of fundamental physics, that will be applicable in a range of other physics modules;

25 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:

26 Synthesis of knowledge; ability to combine information from different sources to analyse complex unfamiliar problems

27 use appropriate sources of information,

28 undertake guided self-study successfully;

29 develop appropriate time-management strategies and meet deadlines for completion of work.

30 Develop efficient communication strategies using a variety of media

Block 1

 

I. Vectors and Scalars

1. Introduction

2. Definition of vectors and scalars

3. Scalar and vector algebra

4. Transformations and the transformation matrix

5. Study Package 1: displacement and distance, equations of lines and planes, vector triple products

 

II. Newtonian Physics

1. Newton's laws and the principle of relativity, Galilean transformations

2. Average and instantaneous velocity, motion under constant acceleration, relative velocity

3. Work done by forces, kinetic and potential energy, power

4. Conservative and non-conservative forces

5. Study Package 2: physics of friction, tensile forces in free body diagrams, concept of impulse

6. Conservation theorems, friction

7. Two-particle systems, centre of mass, rocket motion, collisions, zero-momentum frame

8. Translational and rotational dynamics, linear and angular momenta 

9. Rigid bodies, moment of inertia, axis theorems

10. Study Package 3: rotation with constant angular acceleration, rotation about a moving axis

11. Universal gravitation, celestial mechanics, Kepler’s problem

 

III. Oscillatory phenomena

1. Pendula and simple harmonic motion

2. Damped harmonic motion

3. Coupled oscillators, normal modes

4. Driven and damped harmonic motion

 

Block 2

 

I. Introduction

1. Brief historical survey.

 

II. Basic Thermodynamics

1. Temperature: thermodynamic equilibrium and the Zeroth Law; temperature and heat.

2. Ideal gases: quasistatic and reversible processes; reversible work.

3. Internal energy: adiabatic work; equivalence of work and heat; the First Law.

4. Thermal engines: the Second Law; heat-engine cycle analysis; Carnot's theorem.

5. Entropy: Clausius theorem; entropy; maximum-entropy principle.

 

III. Advanced Thermodynamics

1. Thermodynamic potentials 

a. Energetic potentials, Legendre transform, Maxwell relations.

b. Entropic potentials, physical interpretations, stability.

2. Real gases: Joule–Thomson expansion; the van der Waals gas.

3. Phase transitions

a. Theory of saturated vapours.

b. Clapeyron's equations, classification of phase transitions.

4. Nernst's postulate: the Third Law; unattainability principle.

 

IV. Statistical Mechanics

1. Boltzmann's principle

a. Non-interacting gases, statistical entropy, the partition function.

b. Connection with thermodynamics, Boltzmann's factor, the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution.

 

V. Specific heat: The monoatomic and diatomic ideal gas.

 

 

Block 3

 

I .Lagrangian mechanics and variational principles

1. Euler-Lagrange equations

2. Hamilton’s principle and calculus of variations

3. Cyclic co-ordinates, symmetries, and conservation theorems

4. Examples and applications (e.g., central-force motion)

 

II. Hamiltonian dynamics

1. Generalized (canonical or conjugate) momentum

2. Phase space

3. Hamiltonian; Hamilton's equations of motion

 

III. Oscillations and normal modes

 

IV. Introduction to special relativity 

1. Postulates of special relativity

2. Simultaneity and events in space-time

3. Lorentz transformations

4. Time dilation and length contraction

5. Relativistic energy and momentum

6. Examples and applications

7. Experimental evidence

 

V. A first look at classical field theory

 

Block 4

 

I. Introduction and Context:

1. Early cosmological models

2. Apparent motion of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars

3. The telescope and scientific revolutions

4. Kepler, Newton, and the law of universal gravitation 

5. Light and matter

 

II. The lives of stars:

1. Observations of stars (spectra, blackbody radiation, magnitudes, and the HR diagram)

2. Structure of stars (focusing on their thermodynamic properties)

3. Star formation (ISM; Jeans Mass)

4. Post-main-sequence evolution (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes)

 

III. (Exo)planets:

1. Grand tour of the Solar System

2. Exoplanet detection methods (RV, transits, direct imaging)

3. Characterisation of exoplanets and their atmospheres

4. Planet formation and the link to exoplanet diversity

5. The possibility of life elsewhere (Drake Equation and astrobiology)

 

IV. (Extra)galactic Astronomy:

1. Our Milky Way and the Great Debate

2. Nearby galaxies (Galaxy classification, spirals vs. elliptical)

3. High-redshift galaxies (AGN, supermassive black holes)

4. The distance ladder (incl. parallax, standard candles, redshift, etc.)

5. Large-scale structure of the Universe

 

V. Cosmology:

1. Cosmic Microwave Background

2. The Big Bang and the expansion of the Universe

3. Dark Matter and Dark Energy

4. The future of the Universe (and humanity’s role in it)

Core texts:

• Young H.D. and Freedman R.A. (2015), University Physics with Modern Physics (14^th edition), Pearson, ISBN 978-1-292-10031-9 (UL: 530 YOU)
• Blundell S.J. and Blundell K.M. (2010), Concepts in Thermal Physics (2^nd edition), Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-191-71823-6 (UL: eBook)
• Gregory R.D. (2006), Classical Mechanics, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-534097 (UL: 531 GRE)
• Carroll B.W. and Ostlie D.A. (2017), Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, (2^nd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-1-108-38098-0 (UL: eBook)

Supplementary texts:

• Feynman R.P., Leighton R.B. and Sands M. (1963), Lectures on Physics, Vol. II, Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-02117-X (UL: 530 FEY/X)
• Feynman R.P., Leighton R.B. and Sands M. (1965), Lectures on Physics, Vol. III, (UL: 530 FEY/X)
• Spiegel M.R. and Lipschutz S. (2009), Schaum's Outline of Vector Analysis (2^nd edition), McGraw-Hill, ISBN 978-0-07-1615-45-7 (UL: 515.63)
• Thornton S.T. and Marion J.B. (2003), Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems (5^th edition), Tomson, ISBN 0-534-40896-6 (UL: 531.11MAR)
• Fermi E. (1956), Thermodynamics, Prentic Hall, ISBN 978-0-486-60361-2 (UL: eBook)
• Sommerfeld A. (1964), Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Academic Press, ISBN 0-126-54680-0 (UL: 530 SOM)
• Zemanski M.W. and Dittman R.H. (1981), Heat and Thermodynamics : An Intermediate Textbook (6^th edition), McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-070-72808-9 (UL: 536.7 ZEM)
• Hand L.N. and Finch J.D. (1999), Analytical Mechanics, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-57572-9 (UL: eBook)
• Landau L.D. and Lifshitz E.M. (1976), Mechanics (Vol. 1) (3^rd edition), Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN 978-0-750-62896-9 (UL: 531 LAN)
• Thornton S.T. and Marion J.B. (2003), Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems (5^th edition), Tomson, ISBN 0-534-40896-6 (UL: 531.11MAR