TFFM51 Principles of Physics, 5 ECTS-points
/Fysikaliska principer, TB/

Advancement level:
B

Aim:
The course gives an introduction to physical theory and experiment. The theoretical part repeatedly demonstrates that wide areas of physics can be understood trough a clear understanding of a few basic concepts and principles. One purpose is to increase the interest for physics and to demonstrate the need for mathematical tools. The experimental part stresses what is essential to make good physics; imagination to suggest possible hypothesis, experimental technique to test, ability to find a language (concepts) that gives a simple description. Strong emphasis is on the students ability to present their results in writing and to critically judge the validity of their own work.

Course organization:
The theoretical part of the course consists of 36h lecture and 10h discussion in groups of 15 students guided by one tutor. The experimental part begins with lectures (6h) followed by 16h laboratory work

Course content:
The topics presented belong to both classical and modern physics. The classical physics topics are: Harmonic motion and wave phenomena, electromagnetism and Maxwell's equations, thermodynamics presented from the statistical physics point of view - thermodynamically correct definitions of entropy, temperature, chemical potential and pressure. The modern physics topics are: A historical perspective on quantum physics, a philosophical perspective on quantum physics, Planck's description of the black body radiation and its connection to the green house effect, simple solutions to the Schrödinger equation illustrating energy quantisation, tunneling, quantum mechanical operators and expectation values, Bose-Einstein statistics illustrating the black body radiation. The experimental work includes experimental problem solution where simple mechanical systems are studied.

Course literature:
Fysikaliska principer, Lars Alfred Engström. Experimentell Problemlösning, Bengt Sandell.

TEN1The theoretical part has a written examination, 2,5 p.
LAB1The examination is done continuously, 1 p.
Course language is Swedish.