PH302 (Modern Physics) Spring 2005
Scott Heinekamp (scotth@wells.edu) Zabriskie 203 ext 3361
(http://aurora.wells.edu/swh/)

Goals of Modern Physics
Modern Physics pretty much manages to wreak havoc on the formalisms of classical physics. To better understand matter and energy, we need Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics, a little bit of Relativity, and Statistical Mechanics, with applications to the atom, molecules and solids. Energy and momentum survive the transition as suitably generalized ideas; wave theory is every bit as useful; statistical thinking becomes prominent. You'll need to have a working grasp of elementary circuit theory too (voltages, currents), so as to comprehend how electrons are controlled by humans.

Topics of study
The course lecture schedule may be found at Lecture Schedule. Quantization [Chapter 3] sets the stage for delving into the mysteries of the very small. Nuclear Atom [Chapter 4] discusses the "old" quantum theory of Bohr and its beautiful description of one-electron atoms. Wavelike Particles [Chapter 5] brings in an entirely unexpected way of thinking about our old friend the point mass: it can act like a wave under the right conditions!! Elements of the Schrodinger Approach [Chapters 6 and 7] puts a particle into various kinds of "boxes". The goal is to understand the Hydrogen atom. Statistical Physics [Chapter 8] gives the quantum way of thinking about large assembledges of interacting particles. We'll conclude with Solid State [Chapter 10], which tells us about electrical and thermal characteristics of swarms of electrons and the effect of periodic lattices on them. If there is time, let's touch on Nuclear Physics [Chapters 11 and 12], the study of the behavior of the atomic nucleus itself, and how that behavior can be exploited to liberate gigantic amounts of energy.

Textbook
Tipler & Llewellyn, Modern Physics. In its 4th edition; not the most colorful text out there, but it more than makes up for that lack by its clarity and its breadth. A great book! Here is its web site: http://www.whfreeman.com/modphysics4e . Each chapter has so-called MORE material on the site: sets of digressions into specific topics, beyond the paper text. There's another appendix, too, and in fact an entire extra chapter [14] on Cosmology.

Homework/class participation (30%)
The set of homework assignments may be found at Homework Assignment.

Presentation/short paper (20%)
In order to give you a chance to learn more modern physics, and to explore your interests, I will ask each person to give a 10-minute tutorial, on a topic of interest to you, accompanied by a 5-7 page paper. These can be based on an experimental setup, or some other subject that carries us beyond what we did in class.

Exams (50%) 3 of them, 20% each except that the lowest score is weighted 10%. The third exam will take place at the time of the final (Wed May 18 7pm).
This syllabus (web address http://aurora.wells.edu/~swh/ph302/ph302syl.htm), is the course's home page.