Syllabus

Physics 3408DS – Modern Physics

Fall 2009

Instructor:

Dr. Buxton Johnson

Office:

Room H204

Office Hours:

M T 2:00–5:00 pm

W Th 3:00–5:00 pm

Phone:

852-3168

E-mail:

johnsonb@kwc.edu

PantherNet:

My Courses > PHYS 3408DS – Modern Physics

Description:

Introduction to the special theory of relativity, elementary concepts of quantum mechanics, and selected topics in atomic and nuclear physics.

Prerequisite: Physics 2405.

Knowledge:

Ø Develop a fundamental understanding of the various concepts encountered in the study of modern physics;

Ø Understand the development of modern physics from past to present;

Ø Know of the scientists who shaped the course of modern physics and their contributions.

Skills:

Ø Recognize the modern physics involved in a variety of physical systems, develop appropriate models, and then use these models and known data to solve for unknown quantities, make predictions, and develop changes to achieve desired outcomes;

Ø Learn to solve problems in modern physics;

Ø Develop technical communication skills including: effective listening, clear and precise written expression, and effective oral communication;

Ø Learn to independently research ideas and present them in an organized way.

Values:

Ø Develop a sense of responsibility;

Ø Develop an honest work ethic.

Content:

Ø Review of classical physics;

Ø Special relativity;

Ø Particle-wave duality;

Ø Schrödinger equation;

Ø Rutherford-Bohr model of the atom;

Ø Hydrogen atom in wave mechanics;

Ø Many-Electron Atoms;

Ø Nuclear structure and radioactivity.

Class Time:

Directed Study

Lab Time:

Directed Study

Class Text:

Modern Physics - Krane

Class Schedule:

Ch 1 - Introduction

Ch 2 - The Special Theory of Relativity

Ch 3 - The Particlelike Properties of Radiation

Exam 1

Ch 4 - The Wavelike Properties of Particles

Ch 5 - The Schrödinger Equation

Ch 6 - The Rutherford-Bohr Model of the Atom

Exam 2

Ch 7 – The Hydrogen Atom in Wave Mechanics

Ch 8 – Many-Electron Atoms

Exam 3

Ch 12 - Nuclear Structure and Radioactivity

Final Exam

Exams:

Three exams and a cumulative final exam will be given during the semester.

Homework:

Homework will be assigned regularly to be due on a designated date.

Reading/Homework Assignments and Exams

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Sections Covered: 1.1 to 1.3

Chapter 2 – The Special Theory of Relativity

Sections Covered: 2.1 to 2.7

Chapter 3 – The Particlelike Properties of EM Radiation

Sections Covered: 3.1 to 3.6

Exam 1

Chapter 4 – The Wavelike Properties of Particles

Sections Covered: 4.1 to 4.6

Chapter 5 – The Schrödinger Equation

Sections Covered: 5.1 to 5.7

Chapter 6 – The Rutherford-Bohr Model of the Atom

Sections Covered: 6.1 to 6.6, 6.8

Exam 2

Chapter 7 – The Hydrogen Atom in Wave Mechanics

Sections Covered: 7.1 to 7.6

Chapter 8 – Many-Electron Atoms

Sections Covered: 8.1 to 8.6

Exam 3

Chapter 12 – Nuclear Structure and Radioactivity

Sections Covered: 12.1 to 12.10

Final Exam

Lab Reports:

A laboratory experiment will be performed each week in the Advanced Physics Laboratory and a subsequent report will be due one week later at the BEGINNING of the next laboratory period. Each lab report will contain the following sections:

I. Purpose

· describe the purpose of the lab experiment.

II. Procedure and Analysis

· document the procedures you followed during the laboratory experiment;

· use tables to show your experimental data;

· perform all your calculations;

· include required spreadsheets and graphs with regression lines;

· document your results.

III. Conclusions

· summarize your conclusions based on your analysis of the data;

· discuss the specific sources of error in the experiment.

Lab Schedule:

1. Millikan Oil Drop Experiment

2. Measurement of e/m

3. Speed of Light Measurement

4. Bragg Reflection: Diffraction of X-rays

5. Photoelectric Effect

6. Blackbody Radiation

7. Compton Effect

8. Line Spectra and the Bohr Model

9. Frank-Hertz Experiment

10. Moseley’s Law: Determination of the Rydberg Constant

11. Radioactive Decay and Absorption

12. Nuclear Spectroscopy

No.	Name of Experiment
1	Millikan Oil Drop Experiment
2	Measurement of e/m
3	Speed of Light Measurement
4	Bragg Reflection: Diffraction of X-rays
5	Photoelectric Effect
6	Blackbody Radiation
7	Compton Effect
8	Line Spectra and the Bohr Model
9	Frank-Hertz Experiment
10	Moseley’s Law: Determination of the Rydberg Constant
11	Radioactive Decay and Absorption
12	Nuclear Spectroscopy

Grading:

Final grades will be based on the following:

Exams (3): 360 points

Final Exam (1): 180 points

Homework (9): 180 points

Labs (12): 240 points

Total Possible: 960 points

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

A - 90% to 100%

B - 80% to 89%

C - 70% to 79%

D - 60% to 69%

F - less than 60%

---

Send comments and questions to: johnsonb@kwc.edu
Last modified: 8-28-2009