640-141 Physics A

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Physics and mathematics (two mathematics subjects are recommended) from the final year of secondary school. Students who have completed the VCE will often satisfy these requirements by having done Units 3 and 4 of Physics, Units 3 and 4 of Mathematical Methods and Units 3 and 4 of Specialist Mathematics. Students without Specialist Mathematics may also apply to enrol in this subject.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

By the completion of this subject the student should:

• comprehend a broad range of elementary physics sufficient to lay a basis for higher year studies in physics;
• have developed skills in applying verbal and mathematical reasoning to the understanding of elementary physical systems and in acquiring and evaluating experimental data;
• appreciate the power and depth of physical theory in a wide range of science and technology.

The subject provides an introduction to: Mechanics: kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies; gravitation; introduction to special relativity. Mechanical Properties of Matter: fluid statics and dynamics; elasticity. Mechanical Waves: propagation; dynamics; superposition. Thermal Physics: thermal properties of matter; thermodynamics; kinetic theory of gases; heat transfer.

Assessment

A 3-hour written examination at the end of the semester and tests and/or written assignments during the semester (75%); laboratory work (25%). Students must complete both laboratory and assignment work satisfactorily to obtain a pass.

Prescribed Texts

• Halliday D, Resnick R and Walker J, Fundamentals of Physics. 4th extended ed. 1993 Wiley.
• Tennent R M, Science Data Book. 1985 Oliver and Boyd.