Physics II (Applied)

This course moves from foundational physics into applied areas, starting with electromagnetic induction and power generation and transmission. You'll study circular motion and gravitation, the physics of rigid bodies and fluids, and an introduction to relativity. Suitable for those who have completed introductory physics and want to apply it further.

This is a 10 lesson course, each requiring approximately 10 hours of work including reading, additional research, completing self-assessment tests, task activities and assignments. The assignments, which are submitted to a tutor for marking at the end of lesson, are an opportunity to dialogue with your own allocated tutor. Extend the learning experience and connect with an industry professional. Lesson 1: Electromagnetic Induction Introduction to Electricity Rules of charge Coulomb’s law Magnetism Electromagnetism Electromagnetic induction Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic induction Lenz’s law Fleming’s Rules Eddy currents Transformers Generators Motors Lesson 2: Power Generation and Transmission Primary sources of electrical energy Energy from the water head Energy from burning fuels Nuclear energy Wind energy Solar energy Types of power plants Hydroelectric power plants Thermal power plants Nuclear power plants Wind power plants Lesson 3: Circular Motion and Gravitation Lesson introduction Review of circles – radius, diameter, tangent, arc, circumference Important equations for working with circles Circular motion Uniform circular motion Time, frequency, position, speed, tangential velocity, centripetal force Centripetal acceleration Newton’s law of gravitation Satellites and Kepler’s Laws Lesson 4: Engineering Physics – Rigid Bodies and Rotational Dynamics Rotational Motion Degrees and Radians Angular Position Angular Displacement Angular Velocity Angular Velocity & Linear Velocity Angular Acceleration Kinematic Equations (Angular Acceleration) Torque Moment of Inertia Angular Momentum Kinetic Energy of Rotation Rotational Energy, Work and Power Lesson 5: Engineering Physics - Fluids and fluid dynamics Fluid and dynamics introduction Definitions and Properties Density Pressure Flow Steady and Unsteady Flow Laminar Flow and Turbulent Flow Open Flow Open-channel flow Compressible and Incompressible Flow Forces on Fluids Pressure and Atmospheric Pressure Water Pressure Pressure Difference Buoyant Forces Pascal’s Law Principles of Fluid Dynamics The Equation of Continuity Flow Rate and Its Relation to Velocity Archimedes’ Principle Bernoulli’s Theorem Viscosity Turbulence Lesson 6: Relativity The Principle of Relativity Special Relativity Space-time Universal Speed Limit Relativistic Mass Time Dilation Length Contraction Doppler Effect on Wavelength Applications Lesson 7: Introduction to Imaging Electromagnetic Radiation Electromagnetic Spectrum Comparison of EM Waves Relationship Between Frequency and Wavelength Relationship Between Frequency and Energy Visible Light The Wave Nature of Light Properties of Light Speed of Light Reflection of Light Refraction of Light Snell’s Law Diffraction of Light and Interference Dispersion Optional Image Formation Lens Types Lesson 8: Imaging Instrumentation and Medical imaging Types of Medical Imaging Radiography Computerised Tomography Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Ultrasound Imaging Electron Microscopy TEM SEM Nuclear Medicine Positron emission Tomography Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Bone Scan Photoacoustic Imaging Medical Imaging Instruments CT, PET and MRI Scanners Ultrasound Machine Advantages and Disadvantages of Medical Imaging Lesson 9: Fibre Optics Introduction Definitions Construction of Optical Fibre Cable Advantages and Disadvantages Fibre Optics Fibre Characteristics Mechanical Characteristics Transmission Characteristics Different Types of Fibres and Their Properties Single and Multimode Fibres Step Index and Graded Index Fibres Principles of Light Propagation Through a Fibre Refractive Index Total Internal Reflection Numerical Aperture Acceptance Angle Skew Mode Applications of Fibre Optics Lesson 10: Engineering Physics in Construction Introduction to physics in construction Surveying Building Roads and Paths Constructing Buildings Basic Principles in Building Engineering Physics Acoustics Air Movement Building Services Climate Construction Technology Control of Moisture Lighting Thermal Performance Properties of Common Materials Definitions Simple and Damped Harmonic Motion Forced Oscillations Vibrations inside built structures Vibrations from outside built structures Resonant Response and Damping The tasks and activities include: Demonstrate moving electrons from one material to another via static electricity. Research videos on electromagnetic induction online to “see” the relationship between electricity and magnetism for yourself. Using the diagrams in this course as a guide, find an old piece of equipment that you can pull apart and identify the motor and its component parts. Talk to a person about the energy sources they utilise. Search online and watch videos of the inner workings of a power plant. Try to test out tangential velocity for yourself. Start with a small stone, marble, or key. Search online for videos of car racing and think about the forces in play. Draw a diagram showing the different forces acting on the car. Find the measurement of a radian yourself. Search online for videos of ice skaters performing spins, pay attention to the velocity – remember, the speed and direction – in how they start their spins. Try to make a laminar flow with the balloon experiment. Search for videos online on the physics of aeroplanes and air flow, look at the way the air moves and the factors affecting the wings and keeping the plane in the air. Experiment with your own personal frames of reference. Look at your own, or a friend’s, glasses. Consider questions outlined and take notes. Search for funhouse optical illusion videos online and pay attention to the shape of the mirrors in the video and think about how they affect the images shown. Think about a time you or a friend may have had a medical scan and talk with others on experiences with medical imaging. Ask them questions about it and make notes. Select one of the medical imaging types and understand how the imaging type was developed, when, and what it is commonly used for. Explore your house, school, or other accessible place for fibre optic cables. Note down your findings with a pen and paper. Search online for the applications of fibre optics in your area. Take notes on your findings. What to do now! Get in touch with us if you want to know more... Talk with our friendly team for a no obligation (and no sales!) chat. We're here to help you find the right education path for your needs. Browse our other courses and dream up ways you can combine modules to make a solid award in Science. Talk with peers and colleagues to understand how applied physics can take you forward and increase the opportunities for you.