An
introduction
to Atomic and Nuclear Physics;
Eleven weeks of learning through the Uttoxeter U3A
Welcome
to
an opportunity to learn about Atomic and Nuclear Physics;
together with the necessary underpinning knowledge.
This web page is a work in progress with the
intention of providing access to information to support your
learning.
|
Session |
Date |
Title |
Content |
Learning resources |
|
1 |
29.04.2022 |
An introduction and the structure of the atom |
Protons, neutrons,
electrons. the classic model of the atom. Rutherford
scattering; evidence for small, dense, positive
nucleus. |
Here
you can see a mind map of the subject and how it
breaks down into sub-areas. Here are Jenny's
notes for the session. |
|
2 |
06.05.2022 |
Atomic number and the
Periodic Table |
Continue from session 1 if
necessary. Organisation of elements into the
periodic table. Mendeleev. Isotopes. |
Here
are Jenny's notes for the session and here is
a link to a Web version of the Periodic Table; rich with
extra information. Here
is a link to more information about elements in the
Periodic Table; from Wikipedia |
|
3 |
13.05.2022 |
Basic wave theory |
Definitions of λ, ν, a, T.
Wave speed, Graphical representation of waves.
Transverse and longitudinal waves. Light as a
transverse wave: vibrations of electric and magnetic
fields. |
Click
here
to see the .pptx slides used in the session. These
contain a number of informative links. In addition here is a YouTube clip of how circular motion appears as a Sine wave when viewed from the side. Here you can see Jenny's notes from the session. |
|
4 |
20.05.2022 |
Wave properties |
A recap of last week's
terms and concepts. Interference and the
principle of superposition, resonance. Wave energy |
Click
here
to see the slides seen in the session and here
to see Jenny's notes. |
|
5 |
27.05.2022 |
More properties of waves |
Reflection, refraction,
interference, diffraction. Wave energy and its
components and . . . . . . breathe. |
Click
here
to see the slides used in the session and here
to see, written down, the Elephant Joke that was
shared today. Click here to see Jenny's notes from the session. |
|
03.06.2022 |
Half-term |
A
break from Wilfred House |
||
|
6 |
10.06.2022 |
Theories about light |
Corpuscular and wave
theories of light, related to reflection, refraction,
diffraction etc. Photons. E=hν.
The eV as a unit of energy. |
Click
here to
see Jenny's notes from the session. |
|
7 |
17.06.2022 |
The photoelectric effect |
What happens when a metal
surface is irradiated and Einstein’s explanation. Light as quanta of
energy. Bohr model of the atom. Allowed energy levels
and transitions. Absorption and emission of photons.
Spectra. |
Click here to see Jenny's notes for the session and here to see a summary of atomic structure, pertinent to today's learning. |
|
8 |
24.06.2022 |
Wave-particle duality |
Diffraction of particles.
Relationship between wavelength and momentum.
Diffraction of larger bodies? Investigate by
calculations. |
Click
here
to see Jenny's notes for the session |
|
9 |
01.07.2022 |
Nuclear physics |
Fission and fusion
reactions. Mass/Energy equivalence. Fission reactors.
Fusion reactors as a future possibility. Elementary particles and the Standard Model. |
Click
here
to see some further practice on the De Broglie
wave\particle correlation, here
to see a mind map of the topic areas and here
to see the PowerPoint presentation used. |
|
10 |
08.07.2022 |
Radioactivity |
α, β, γ emissions, half life. Uses and hazards
of radioactive materials. More on elementary
particles. |
Click
here to
see Jenny's notes for the session. |
|
11 |
15.07.2022 |
Brief introduction to
Quantum Mechanics. |
Heisenberg, Schrödinger.
Uncertainty principle. Summary of the last 10 weeks
and suggestions for future topics. 'The physics of
music', 'Physics of flight' and 'Medical biophysics'
have been mooted so far. |
Supplemental Information
A number of
links to information to support and extend your learning will
appear here over the course of the sessions
This site was created on 10th April, 2022 and was last updated on
9th July, 2022.
Please mail me on DaveInElderCourt@gmail.com if you have any
feedback about the content of this page. Your input will
help to improve it for others.