Module overview
The first part of the module focuses on Newton’s laws of motion, potentials, conservation of energy, momentum and angular momentum, projectiles, circular motion, gravity and simple harmonic motion including damping.
The second part of the module is an introduction to Special Relativity,
including time dilation, length contraction, Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics and the relation between mass and energy.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- To understand the postulates of Special Relativity and their consequences in terms of Time dilation and length contraction.
- To understand Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics and the relation between mass and energy.
- To know Newton’s laws of motion, potentials, conservation of energy, momentum and angular momentum, and be able to apply them to projectiles, circular motion, and gravity.
- To be able to describe simple harmonic motion including damping and be able to apply them to physical systems.
Syllabus
- Classical mechanics
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Conservative forces and potentials
- Conservation of Energy and momentum
- Projectiles
- Circular motion
- Angular momentum
- Newton’s law of gravitation
- Oscillations
- Harmonic Oscillator – equation of motion – and solutions
- Examples of oscillatory motion
- Damping
- Q-factors
- Relativity
- Postulates of Special Relativity
- Michelson- Morley experiment
- Simultaneity, Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction, time dilation
- Lorentz transformations
- Relativistic Doppler Effect
- Relativistic transformation of velocities
- Relativistic momentum and kinetic energy
- E=mc^2 and application
Learning and Teaching
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 51 |
| Completion of assessment task | 17 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
University Physics published by Pearson specially for Southampton University. Copies will be made available to the students through the university bookshop.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Course work worth 20% of the module mark will be set and assessed in the normal way. In the event that a course work is missed, students will be required to go through the Special Considerations procedures in order to request mitigation for that piece of course work. Please note that documentary evidence will normally be required before these can be considered.
A Mid-Semester test will be set approximately half way through the semester worth 10% of the module mark.
The final exam is worth 70% of the module mark.
Referral Method: By examination, the final mark will be calculated both with and without the coursework assessment mark carried forward, and the higher result taken.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Mid-Semester Test | 10% |
| Examination | 70% |
| Problem Sheets | 20% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework marks carried forward | 30% |
| Examination | 70% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 70% |
| Coursework marks carried forward | 30% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External