Introduction to Oscillations and Heat

Semester 1

This is a pre-calculus course covering fundamental topics in Oscillations and Heat.

Syllabus:

OSCILLATIONS (6 Lectures)

Simple Harmonic Motion:
- Introduction to Hooke's Law and definition of simple harmonic motion.
- Treatment of light spring-mass system as simple harmonic oscillator.
- The displacement-time graph for SHM and the application of x =A cos(w t) or x =A sin(w t) to interpret the results.
- Expressions for velocity, acceleration and period for SHM.
- Energy considerations and conservation for SHM.
- The Simple Pendulum.

HEAT (12 lectures)

Temperature and Thermometers:
- Thermal equilibrium and the Zeroth law of thermodynamics.
- Thermal expansion.
- The Gas laws and absolute temperature.
- The ideal gas law.
- The ideal gas law in terms of molecules.
- Avogadro's number.
- Kinetic theory.
- Real gases and change of phase.
- Vapour pressure and humidity.
Heat and internal energy.
- Specific heat capacity.
- Latent heat.
- Calorimetry.
- Heat transfer:
- Conduction, convection and radiation.
- First law of thermodynamics.
- First law applied to simple processes including isobaric and isothermal processes.

Evaluation:

One 2-hour theory examination paper 60%

Two 1-hour in-course tests (15% each) 30%

Laboratory work (average of 6 labs at 10% each) 10%

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, students should be able to:

State Hooke’s law and apply it to solving problems in simple harmonic motion.
Describe how energy is conserved in simple harmonic motion systems
Perform mathematical analysis of a simple pendulum system
State Zeroth law and describe its implications to thermodynamics
Describe the Gas laws and explain their applications in molecules, vapour pressure and humidity.
Explain the concepts of “Heat” and “Internal Energy”.
Perform quantitative analysis of problems involving specific heat and latent heat
Describe the three methods of heat transfer and perform applicable calculations of these quantities
Explain the first law of thermodynamics and perform calculations as applied to isobaric and isothermal processes.
Perform and interpret the results of simple experiments and demonstrations of physical principles.

CXC/CSEC Physics or GCE â€œOâ€ Level Physics

Required Textbook:

Cutnell, and Johnson; “Physics ”; 8^th Edition, 2009. ISBN 978-0-470-22355-0

Internet Sources:

1. An online suite of resources: www.wiley.com/college/wileyplus

Course Code:

PHYS0412

Credits:

3 Credits

Level:

Preliminary

The University of the West Indies, Mona