Modern Physics

Catalog description

Intermediate-level introduction to relativity, quantum physics and statistical mechanics. Topics include: special relativity, Planck spectrum and quantization of light, wave-particle duality, quantization of atomic energy levels, wavefunctions and Schrödinger equation in one and three-dimensions, elementary quantum angular momentum theory, exclusion principle and the periodic table, and elements of classical and quantum statistical mechanics. Select developments in nuclear physics, condensed-matter physics, and elementary-particle physics may be included, time permitting. Three hours. Prerequisites: MATH 215 Calculus 3 and C or better in PHYS 222 or PHYS 212. Spring term only.