PHYS 351 M O D E R N
P H Y S I C S FALL 2010
Text Book: Nonclassical Physics by Randy Harris (19990 .
A supplementary recommended website that has web-based interactive exercises with live simulations (physlets)
Modern Physics Noted from UVA that supplement this course .
Professor: Dr. Mesgun Sebhatu, 203 Sims Bldg. Office hrs: 10-10:50 MWF or by appointment. Class meeting on Tuesdays 1130 –12:20 and as needed at other times.
Tel: 803-323 - 4935(Office) E-mail: sebhatum@winthrop.edu
Modern physics refers to physics developed in the 20th century. It includes, the special and general theory of relativity, quantum theory, as well as nuclear and particle physics. These topics are challenging both conceptually and mathematically. They are, however, the basis for all the technological wonders and scientific developments we see and hear about. A course in modern physics is indispensable for any one contemplating a career or profession in the sciences and engineering. The major objective of the course is to provide a student majoring in the physical sciences a mastery of the basic concepts in relativity and quantum physics and explore some of its applications in various fields.
Tentative Course Outline and Test Schedule
IA. Special Relativity - Lorentz Transformation(1.1 to 1.7)
HW1: Read Sections 1.1 to 1.8. Make Sure you understand the two postulates of Special Relativity and all the worked examples for section1.1 to 1.8
Do the following selected problems clearly and Hand in the next two weeks: Ch1. 1, 2, 3, 13,15,20,21,22,28,29,34,39,38. Please show your detailed work.
IB Special Relativity - Dynamics (1.8-1.13)
Do the following problems Ch1 18-1.13) : 42,47,50,54,58,63,67,77,82
Read Section 1.13 : General Relativity and Cosmology
List three experimental tests of the theory
Test #1: Thursday Sep. 30
IIA. Quantum Mechanics I: Ch. 2. Waves and Particles I (Radiation behaving as particles) Do Problems : 1,5,7,9,17,19,21,25,29,36
Ch. 3. Waves and Particles II (Matter behaving as waves) Do problems : 4,5,6,7,11,14,18,19,23,25,28,46
IIB. Application of Schrödinger's equation for simple bound states (Ch. .4) such as particles in an infinite square well, in a finite square wells, in a simple harmonic oscillator type potential.
Ch.4:.Do problems: 8,11,16,18,20,24,57 (focus mostly on the examples)
Test #2 Thursday Oct. 28
III. Quantum Mechanics II (Chapters5, & 6 ) (Study the examples in the chapters carefully. The problems can be challenging and we will discuss them in calss.)
IIIA. Unbound states: Obstacles , Tunneling and Wave-Particle propagation (Ch. 5) Do: 1, 2, 9, 12, 16
IIIB. Quantum Mechanics in 3-D. e.g. the Hydrogen atom (Ch. 6) Do: 2,3,4,5,9,15,38,40,43
Test #3: Thursday Nov. 11
IV. Nuclear and Particle Physics (Ch. 10,11) Unlike those on Quantum Mechanics The exercises on Nuclear & Particle Physics Ch. 10) are kept simple
Ch. 10. Do: 1,3,4.7,8,11,20,21,23,24,26,27,31,34,37
Ch. 11. D0.1, 2,5,11,12 (To supplement this chapter read the article " The Standard Model and Beyond"
Astrophysics and Cosmology will be assigned for reading from this website.
Test #4: Friday Dec. 3.
Computation of Final Grades : The best three test grades will contribute 20% each (total from tests = 60%). Homework grades will contribute 40%.
60%(3 Tests) + 40%(Homework) = 100 %
Even though class grade distribution affects the assignment of the letter grades, usually above 90% is an "A", 80% - 89% is a "B", 70% - 79% is a "C", 60% - 69% is a "D", and below 60% is an "F".
Make Up Tests: If a student misses one test, he obtains a "0" for it and loses the opportunity to have his worst test score dropped. It will be dangerous to miss more than one test. There are no provisions for make up tests under normal circumstances.
Class Attendance Policy: The attendance policy followed in this course is the same as that which appears on the current Winthrop University Catalog. Briefly, "If a student's absences in a course total 25% or more of the class meetings for the course, the student will receive a grade of N, F, or U, which ever is appropriate." Please read your catalog for details. In an independent course such as PHYS 351, the professor will be able to see who is absent. There will be no need for formal roll call. We will meet atleast once a week for one hour . More meetings will n=be scheduled as needed.