PHYS06006 2012 Engineering Science 101

Define the concepts used in kinematics, heat transfer and fluid pressure and use the associated concepts and laws to calculate unknown quantities

Explain why radioactivity occurs and outline the properties of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Explain nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.  Determine the binding energy of an atom and the end product of various radioactive decay mechanisms.

Explain the difference between sound waves and light waves. Represent reflection using diagrams and explain refraction. Describe what happens when a noise is produced and explain the Doppler Effect. Calculate the sound frequency when the source is approaching and moving away from the observer and determine the sound level when a number of sound sources are present.

Define voltage, current, resistance and power. Calculate the resistance of resistors in parallel or in series.

Use standard laboratory equipment and perform as a team member in the execution, compilation, analysis and interpretation of laboratory experiments

Compile and report, in both written and oral form, using word and excel, the results and conclusions of laboratory work

1. 1 hour written continuous assessment exam mid-semester

2. 2 hour written final exam

3. Submission of practical copy

1. Explanation of the fundamental and derived units of measurements, difference between scalar and vector units.  Newton’s Laws. Basic definitions of the fundamental properties used in Engineering Science.
2. Equations of motion. Momentum, law of conservation of momentum, Impulse of a force.
3. Modes of transfer of heat, conduction, convection, and radiation. Specific heat capacity, latent heat of steam, wet steam, power.
4. Thermal expansion of solids - coefficients of linear, superficial and cubic expansion, Determination of  linear expansion of  various materials.
5. Introduction to fluid pressure: relationship between depth and pressure. Properties of fluid pressure. Gauge, absolute and atmospheric pressure. Pressure gauges, the bourdon pressure gauge, the manometer.
6. The gas laws, Charles’ Law, Boyle’s Law, the Universal Gas Equation.
7. Introduction to radioactivity: half life. Modes of radioactive decay and properties of radioactive decay.  Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. The binding energy of an atom.
8. Sound: sound waves, progressive and standing. Beats, Harmonics. The Doppler Effect. Sound wave measurements, addition of sounds.
9. Light: properties of light waves. Reflection, refraction, Snell's law, Diffraction. The electromagnetic spectrum.
10. Electricity: Voltage, current, resistance. Resistance in series and parallel. Power in electrical circuits. Magnetism and electro-magnetic induction.

Indicative Practicals

1. The simple pendulum
2. Equilibrium of a three force system
3. Principle of moments
4. Densities of various materials
5. Specific gravity
6. Archimedes principle
7. Hooke's law and the extension of a spring.
8. Coefficients of linear expansion
9. Boyle’s Law
10. Specific heat capacity and latent heat
11. Resonance experiments
12. Electrical resistance of parallel and series circuits