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Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description

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CODE IFS0416

 
TITLE Principles of Nuclear, Atomic, Quantum Theory and Particle Physics

 
UM LEVEL 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus

 
MQF LEVEL 4

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Science

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit covers the fundamental principles of quantum theory, nuclear, atomic and particle physics. The hierarchical structure of the atom and nucleus is explained through the classification of the elementary particles and their interaction. Quantum theory is also explained with particular reference to the photoelectric effect, energy levels and wave-particle duality. Radioactivity, radioactive decay, radiation, absorption and radioactive dating are also studied.

Study-unit Aims:

This study-unit aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts relating to nuclear, atomic and particle physics. In particular this study unit aims to:

- Explain the structure of the atom.
- Relate the atomic interactions with magnetic and electric fields.
- Explain scattering experiments in relation to the nuclear model of the atom.
- Classifies the elementary particles and their interactions.
- Convey the properties of strong and weak interactions.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Rutherford鈥檚 Alpha Scattering Experiment
    - Explain Rutherford鈥檚 Alpha scattering experiment and observations.
    - Derive and use an expression for the distance of closest approach.
    - Qualitatively explain the nuclear radius to the nucleon number.

- The Nucleus
    - Characterize electrons, protons and neutrons.
    - Define the terms proton number, neutron number and nucleon number.
    - Define element and isotope.
    - Represent an element with given chemical symbol.

- The Strong Nuclear Force
    - Calculate the coulomb repulsive forces inside a nucleus.
    - Explain the role of the strong nuclear force in keeping the nucleons together.
    - Compare the magnitude and range of the strong nuclear force with the electrostatic force.

- Elementary Particles
    - Distinguish between quarks and leptons.
    - Identify the symbols representing the neutrino and antineutrino respectively.
    - Explain what is meant by elementary and composite particles.
    - Classify hadrons and composite particles made up of quarks and anti-quarks.
    - Classify protons and neutrons as hadrons.
    - Compare the mass and charge of a particle with that of its corresponding anti-particle.
    - Calculate the electric charge of hadrons given the fractional electric charge value of the constituent quarks.

- Radioactive Decay
    - Define the terms radioactive decay, activity, decay constant, half-life and decay rate of a radioactive nuclei.
    - Use the Becquerel as the unit of activity.
    - State the law and use the equation of radioactive decay.
    - State and use the natural logarithmic equation giving the number of nuclei in a sample at a given time.
    - Derive and use the equation giving the half-life. Experiment to determine the half-life of radon gas.
    - Identify the sources of background radiation.

- Radioactive Dating
    - Use the half-life to determine the age of a sample and explain that the uncertainty in the age of a sample depends on the randomness of radioactive decay.

- Modes of Radioactive Decay
    - Sketch the stability curve on a neutron number against proton number graph.
    - Explain and compare alpha, beta and gamma particles and their decay processes and nuclear equations.
    - Relate beta decay processes to the decay of the protons and neutrons.
    - Describe the energy spectrum of the beta decay particles.
    - State and use the inverse square law for the intensity of gamma radiation.

- Radiation Absorption
    - Define the term half-value thickness and derive its equation.
    - State and use the exponential decay law of the intensity of radiation.

- Nuclear Energy
    - Define the atomic mass unit and conversion to kilograms.
    - Define mass defect, binding energy and binding energy per nucleon.
    - State and use Einstein鈥檚 mass-energy equivalence equation. Convert between mass and energy.

- Fission and Fusion as sources of energy
    - Sketch the binding energy per nucleon against nucleon number curve.
    - Explain nuclear fission and nuclear fusion and write down their nuclear equations.
    - Use the binding energy per nucleon against nucleon number curve to predict which nuclear reactions will result in release of energy.
    - Describe the fission of uranium and the concept of chain reaction.
    - Discuss the pros and cons of using nuclear energy with particular reference to carbon free energy.
    - Calculate the energy released during given fusion and fission reactions.

- The Photoelectric effect
    - Describe a simple demonstration of the photoelectric effect.
    - State and compare the properties of photoelectric emission with the predictions of the wave theory of light.
    - Relate photons to electromagnetic waves.
    - State and use the Planck-Einstein equation and Einstein鈥檚 photoelectric equation.
    - Discuss how Einstein鈥檚 equation explains the experimental observation of the photoelectric effect.
    - Describe an experiment to verify Einstein鈥檚 photoelectric equation.

- Atomic Energy Levels
    - Explain instability of Rutherford atomic model.
    - Show how atoms have discrete energy levels. Sketch suitable energy level diagrams for atoms.
    - Define ground state, excited state, ionization and ionization energy.

- Wave Properties of the Matter
    - Wave-like behavior of particles.
    - Experiment used to verify the wave nature of electrons.
    - Discuss how an orbiting electron in an atom can be represented by standing waves.
    - Understand the probability of finding an electron at a specific position.
    - State and use the De Broglie equation.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Explain comprehensively the photoelectric effect, energy levels of atoms and the wave characteristics of matter.
- Explain the structure of the atom with reference to the alpha scattering experiment.
- Characterize the nucleus.
- Explain the concept behind elementary particles.
- Explain radioactivity both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

A. C. Xuereb (2012). Sixth Form College Physics, second edition. Merlin Publishers Ltd. ISBN: 978999091410-8.

Supplementary Readings:

R. Muncaster (2014). A-Level Physics Fourth Edition. Nelson Thornes. ISBN: 9780748715848.

M. Nelkon and P. Parker (1987). Advanced Level Physics. Heinemann Educational Publishers. ISBN: 0435686682.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Please note that a pass in the Examination component is obligatory for an overall pass mark to be awarded.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Oral and Written Exercises SEM2 Yes 15%
Progress Test SEM1 No 20%
Examination [See Add. Notes] (2 Hours) SEM2 Yes 65%

 
LECTURER/S Carl Caruana

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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