PHY-253 Modern Physics

The continuation of the General Physics sequence. Topics include relativity, photons, matter waves, introduction to quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and other selected topics in modern physics.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

PHY-152 and MAT-273

Corequisite

MAT-274

Department

• Science & Technology

For more detailed course information view the Course Outline

PHY 253: Modern Physics

Department

Science and Technology

Course Description

The continuation of the General Physics sequence. Topics include relativity, photons, matter waves, introduction to quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and other selected topics in modern physics.

Credit Hours

4

Contact Hours

Lecture	3
Lab	2
Other	1

Grading Scheme

Letter

Prerequisites

PHY-152 and MAT-273

Corequisites

MAT-274

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate ability to model problems related to Relativity and Quantum Physics
2. Demonstrate proficiency in problem solving methodology
3. Demonstrate proficiency in teamwork, including assessment of learning process
4. Demonstrate an ability to relate mathematics to physical reality and vice a versa
5. Estimate margins of errors in measurements and calculations
6. Assess limitations of what they know, and know how to seek further knowledge pertinent to the subject matter

Topic Outline

1. 1. Relativity
2.     a. Lorentz transformation
3.     b. Length contraction and time dilation
4.     c. Addition of velocities
5.     d. Momentum, kinetic energy, and rest mass energy
6. 2. Photons and matter waves
7.     a. Blackbody radiation and Planck's hypothesis
8.     b. Photoelectric effect
9.     c. Compton scattering
10.     d. Bohr's theory
11.     e. De Broglie's hypothesis
12. 3. Introduction to quantum mechanics
13.     a. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle
14.     b. Schrödinger's equation
15.     c. Particle in a "box": infinite potential well
16.     d. Particle in a finite potential well
17.     e. Quantum tunneling
18.     f. The harmonic oscillator
19. 4. Atomic and nuclear physics
20.     a. Hydrogen atom
21.     b. Rotational and vibrational spectra of molecules
22.     c. Electron spin
23.     d. Atomic spectra and X-rays
24.     e. Lasers
25.     f. Nuclei
26.     g. Radioactive decay
27.     h. Nuclear reactions
28.     i. Fission and fusion
29.     j. Medical applications
30. 5. Selected topics
31.     a. Interference and diffraction
32.     b. Coordinate transformations for linear and rotational displacement
33.     c. Fractals and chaos
34.     d. Self-organization
35.     e. Cellular automata
36.     f. Superconductivity
37.     g. Band theory
38.     h. The p-n junction diode
39.     i. Particle physics
40.     j. Cosmology