Physics 204: Modern Physics
Spring 2008
Text: Modern Physics by Taylor, Zafiratos and Dubson (Second edition)
Instructor: Juan Lin Office: Dunning N203.
Office hours: By appointment
Attendance Policy: Lecture 90% Minimum
Grade: Homework: 40%, two tests: 30%, and final exam: 30 %
In this course we will discuss the essentials of the special theory of relativity, early quantum ideas, and applications of the Schroedinger equation to atoms and molecules.
Schedule
Special theory of relativity: Chapters 1 and 2.
Due Jan. 31 Chapter 1 Problems: 5, 9, 21, 25, 27, 29.
Due Feb. 7 Chapter 1 Problems: 35, 39, 41, 45. Chapter 2 Problems: 3, 9
Essentials of Maple: Numerical simulation #1 (Due Feb. 7)
A simulation of Michelson-Morley experiment can be found in MM. In Albert Einstein you will find a wonderful tribute to his life and work. An excellent site on relativity is Casacolorado.
Due Feb. 14 Chapter 2 Problems: 17, 19, 25, 33, 37, 43.
Early quantum discoveries: Chapters 3 and 4.
You will find a brief biography of Max Planck as well as of other physicists in the St. Andrews site.
Due Feb. 21 Chapter 3 Problems: 13, 19, 27, 31, 37, 40.
Many of the main discoveries of physics in this century are summarized in the wonderful site, the Nobel Electronic Museum.
Due Feb. 28 Chapter 4 Problems: 7, 9, 13, 15, 19, 27.
Numerical Simulation # 2 (Due Feb. 28)
In APS site Physics Central you will find many interesting summaries of weekly news and discoveries as well as links to other sites. Also, check TIPTOP for interesting news about physics and physics simulations related to the course.
First test: Tuesday, March 4
Chapters
1 - 4
Spring Break: March 10 - 16
Quantization of energy levels and matter waves: Chapters 5 and 6.
Due March 20 Chapter 5 Problems: 1, 11, 13, 15, 17, 23.
Two sites with many Java demonstrations are quantum physics online and QM. You may want to revisit these sites many times to reinforce your intuition of quantum processes.
Due
March 27 Chapter 6 Problems: 11, 15, 19, 31, 37, 48.
Fundamentals of quantum mechanics: Chapters 7 and 8
April 2: Advising Day
Due April 3 Chapter 7 Problems:1, 15, 19, 24, 37, 45.
A good resource on elementary particles is ParticlePhysics.
Due
April 10 Chapter 7 Problems: 53, 55. Chapter 8 Problems:
11, 13, 17, 21
Due April 17 Chapter 8 Problems: 23, 29, 37, 45, 49, 53.
Second
test: Tuesday, April 22
Chapters
5 - 8
Numerical Simulation # 4 (Due April 24)
Due
May 1 Chapter 9 Problems: 7, 8, 11, 15.
Final Exam