Relativity And Sub-Atomic Physics

Module description

The aims of this module are:

1. To expose the student to basic properties of the atomic nucleus, by discussing models for the nucleus and its properties and study basic nuclear decays and applications, such as radioactive dating, fusion and fission processes and nuclear physics in the universe.

2. To introduce the student to more advanced Special Relativity topics, in particular relativistic kinematics in particle collisions using four momenta and invariants to simplify the computations.

3. To introduce the student to more advanced topics in particle physics (picking up from the first year foundation course of introduction to modern physics), such as elementary topics in electroweak interactions that form the basis of the Standard Model of Particle Physics, as well as to experimental methods of collision and detection of elementary particles, used in current high energy physics experiments.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Describe basic nuclear properties and nuclide chart.
• Describe basic nuclear models.
• Distinguish between the different radioactive decays and describe some of their applications.
• Describe the fusion and fission processes and some of their applications.
• Be able to indicate some of the nuclear processes happening in the universe.
• Perform special relativistic kinematics calculations of particle collisions with ease, being familiar with convenient change of frames in order to simplify the computations, using appropriately constructed invariants.
• Describe the spectrum of elementary constituents of nature (The Standard Model of Particle Physics) and their basic characteristics.
• Describe basic physical processes within the Standard Model.
• Describe the methods for acceleration, collision and detection of particles in current high-energy physics experimental facilities, including neutrino oscillation experiments.

Assessment details

Details of the module's assessment/s

Type	Weighting	Marking model
Written two hour exam	80%	Model 2. Double Marking
Quizzes	20%

Please note: module assessment may be subject to change. If you have any questions, please contact ug-physics@kcl.ac.uk

Teaching pattern

Weekly lectures and problem classes (on campus) 2-3 hours per week

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.