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DistanceLearningCentre.comLEARNING MATERIALS
Subject: Physics
Unit: Principles of Physics
Topic 2: Principles of Physics
Level: 3
Essential reading
Any A-Level physics Text Book
Essential Maths Skills for AS/A Level Physics Paperback – 27 May
2016 by Ian Lovat (Author)
Recommended reading:
Recommended reading for this topic is listed in the back pages of
these learning materials.
Further resources:
Further resources to deepen your learning on specific aspects of this
topic are listed throughout these learning materials.
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© DistanceLearningCentre.com, 2022
, Subject: Physics
Unit: Principles of Physics
Topic: Principles of Physics
Level: 3
LEARNING MATERIALS
Contents
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Introduction .................................................................................................... 1
1. Nuclear Physics ..................................................................................... 2
1.1 Isotopes ................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Stable and unstable nuclei ....................................................................... 2
1.2.1 Variation of N with Z for stable and unstable nuclei .................... 3
1.2.2 Possible modes of decay for unstable nuclei .............................. 4
1.3 Absorbing Radiation ................................................................................ 7
1.4 Exchange Particles ................................................................................ 10
1.4.1 Feynman Diagrams .................................................................. 12
2. Atomic physics .................................................................................... 16
2.1 Bohr model of the atom.......................................................................... 16
2.2 How do atomic electrons gain energy? .................................................. 18
2.2.1 Photon absorption .................................................................... 18
2.2.2 Collisions with free electrons .................................................... 18
3. Electricity ............................................................................................. 21
3.1 Mean drift velocity of electrons in a wire................................................. 21
3.2 DC Electricity ......................................................................................... 24
3.3 AC Electricity ......................................................................................... 24
3.3.1 Basic Concepts ........................................................................ 25
3.3.2 Root mean square (RMS) ........................................................ 25
3.3.3 Resistivity ................................................................................. 26
3.3.4 Potential dividers ...................................................................... 27
3.3.5 Electromotive force (EMF) and internal resistance ................... 29
References ................................................................................................... 33
Recommended reading ............................................................................... 33
Resources .................................................................................................... 33
Books, journals and CDs ................................................................................ 33
Websites ......................................................................................................... 33
Sources and credits..................................................................................... 35
Image credits .................................................................................................. 35
© DistanceLearningCentre.com, 2022
, Subject: Physics
Unit: Principles of Physics
Topic: Principles of Physics
Level: 3
LEARNING MATERIALS
Introduction
In this topic:
In this topic, we will explore some of the aspects of basic
mechanics and the formulae involved. We will then go on to
look at the basic structure of matter. Finally, we will discuss
the principles of the basic concepts of electricity.
Important points: Before you begin
Make sure that you understand how indices work.
e.g. to multiply indices, you add them together
106 x 106 = 1012
e.g., to divide indices, you subtract.
108 ⁄ 106 = 102
Also make sure that all superscript number are shown as
superscript
© DistanceLearningCentre.com, 2022 1
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