Problems are the cutting
edge that distinguishes between success and failure. Problems call
forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and
our wisdom. It is only because of our problems that we grow mentally
and spiritually. When we desire to encourage the growth of the human
spirit, we challenge and encourage the human capacity to solve
problems, just as in school we deliberately set problems for our
children to solve. It is through the pain of confronting problems that
we learn.
- Morgan Scott Peck
This is the fourth semester of a three-semester, calculus-based physics sequence. The required prerequisites are Physics I, II and III. We will cover quantum mechanics and special relativity, and their applications to particle physics, nuclear physics, atomic physics, solid-state physics, and astrophysics. Prerequisites: PS 250 or 219, MA 345.
Text: Modern Physics, 2nd edition,
by Krane.
Chapters 2-8, 12-14
See the (tentative) syllabus
for more detailed information.
Recommendations for study, and test-taking strategies.
Example
problem
solution (21.26)
Homework problems due 1/25 and 1/27
WELCOME!
The skill to do math on
a page
Has declined to the point of outrage
Equations quadratica
Are solved on Math'matica,
And on birthdays we don't know our age
Greek alphabet -
MEMORIZE!
nuclide
chart
history
of particle physics - with collection of original
articles
nuclear
spin
Moseley's
original plot
Heisenberg's
Indeterminacy Principle
Phase
and group velocity
Reasonable
doubt
Burden
of proof
The
case FOR Millikan
Philosophy of science - review of
Popper
Nobel
prizes - Millikan's
lecture
The electromagnetic spectrum
The ultraviolet dayglow spectrum
Cosmic
Rays
Frisch and Smith 1963 paper
Arthur C. Clarke's Three
Laws
Fundamental
particles
Other Course Web sites
Univ
Virginia
Univ
Cincinnati - (for
engineers)
List
of course web sites
Epistemology
and Modern Physics
Tutorials
The
Physics Hypertext
Hyperphysics
Active
Physics
ThinkQuest
LECTURE
SCHEDULE
|
Week |
Topics |
Chapters
in Krane |
|
1-3 |
Special relativity |
2 |
|
4-6 |
Wave-particle duality |
3, 4 |
|
7-10 |
Quantum mechanics: 1D, 3D hydrogen atom, atoms |
5-8 |
|
11-13 |
Nuclear structure and reactions |
12-13 |
|
14 |
Elementary particles |
14 |
Listening to lectures is not enough. All processes of learning are somehow connected to active participation, and the learning of physics is no exception. Therefore, it is imperative that you work diligently at your own desk. However, this does not mean that you should only work alone. I encourage you to form study groups and collaborate with your classmates.
Available at the Jack R. Hunt Library are the following items:
Understanding
Physics, by Isaac Asimov - a great science fiction writer
explains
physics.
Cartoon Guide
to Physics, by Gonick and Huffman - physical principles in a
visual format.
3000 Physics
Problems - lots and lots of practice quantitative problems.
Practice at problem solving is an important part of learning physics, especially for engineers. I suggest that you work as many problems as possible. I have assigned problems from each chapter, and I will post solutions to certain problems from the text. Problem solving techniques can be found here.
