Physics 236, "Modern Physics II" Spring 2003
Instructor: Wayne F. Reed
Stern Hall 5068, 862-3185
wreed@tulane.edu
office hours: Tu, Th 3-4pm, and by appointment
Text: Modern Physics by Serway, Moses and Moyer, 2nd Ed.
Class: Stern Hall 2022, Tues. and Thurs. 9:30-10:45 a.m.
This course is a direct continuation of Physics 235, in which you learned the fundamentals of both Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. This semester we will first introduce the basic notions of Statistical Quantum Physics. This brings together many basic notions of classical probability and statistics theory (permutations, distributions, averages, etc.), and the quantum mechanical concepts of indistinguishability and the Exclusion Principle. Applications for each type of physical distribution function will then be made to systems involving gases, solids and electromagnetic radiation.
The majority of the semester will then focus on using the principles of Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity to introduce such major sub-fields of Physics as Atomic, Molecular, Solid State, Nuclear, and Elementary Particle Physics, and Cosmology. You will meet some important concepts and phenomena in Physics this semester, such as the quantum nature of the chemical bond and molecular behavior, theories of metals and semi-conductors, how semi-conductor devices work, lasers, basic structure and reactivity of the nucleus, and brief overviews of Elementary Particle theory and Cosmology.
This material should take us from Chapters 9 through 15, with roughly the same number of pages covered as in the first semester.
Research Project Component
Because this course is a survey of many different areas of Modern Physics, the best means of getting a more in depth feel for a specific area is to make a focused inquiry. As such, each student will do a research project during the semester. A list of suggested topics will be provided, and students can either choose a project from this list, or suggest their own. Examples include: Introductory concepts in String Theory, Radio Wave Astronomy, Gravitational lensing in Astronomy, Quantum Computing, Chaos Theory, Applications of Fractals in Physics, basic Laser Science and Technology, Superconductivity, special topics in Biophysics, Density Functional Theory, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Medicine, and many more.
Typically, a student should consult one or more advanced text books that either deal specifically with the research area, or include it as part of the book's overall scope. Additionally, a student should perform Internet and other literature searches, and read and reference at least two research articles from the scientific literature.
A deadline for choosing the research topic will be set within the first few weeks of class. By mid-semester students will write a brief, one page summary of their progress (including the texts and articles being consulted, and the highlights of the research). The final report should be approximately five single-spaced pages in 12 point type. Beyond this, the report should also include a bibliography and any relevant figures, tables, etc. The report should give a concise overview of the research topic, then focus in more depth on one or more aspects of the subject chosen. Towards the end of the semester each student will give a 15 minute presentation of their work. The project will count for 16% of the final grade.
Grading
Grading will be based on five items:
3 semester tests, each worth 20% of the final grade
1 comprehensive final exam, worth 20% of the final grade
1 research project, worth 20% of the final grade
Homework problems will be assigned, but not graded. Doing the problems, however, is central to mastering the concepts presented, and tests will reflect the type of problems assigned. Solutions to the problems are posted on my website.
The exact dates of the semester exams will be announced as the semester proceeds. Make-up exams will be given only if signed notes indicating a medical or other valid excuse (e.g. bereavement) are obtained from the Office of the Academic Dean. Conflicts due to tests in other courses, or travel, e.g. at vacation times, are not legitimate excuses for missing exams. Make-up exams will not be curved and will not necessarily follow the same format as the exam missed. No grades will be dropped.
The final exam is scheduled definitively for Friday, May 2, 2003, 8am-12pm. No changes to this can be made, and students cannot individually ask for separate testing times.
Please seek me out during office hours, or by appointment, whenever you need help or would like to discuss course material. Also feel free to contact me by e-mail.
The objectives of the course are:
1) To familiarize you with the methods and main, basic results of quantum statistics, and how these can be applied to a variety of physical systems.
2) To apply Quantum Mechanical and Relativistic principles to the description of molecular orbitals, and rotational and vibrational properties of molecules.
3) To provide an overview of the different types of solid state properties, with particular emphasis on the free electron gas model for metals, and band theory for semi-conductors. This basic knowledge will be applied to understanding the operation of devices such as the diode and transistor, and to solid state lasers.
4) A significant amount of the course will be devoted to different structural models in Nuclear Physics, including study of nuclear radiation. Nuclear reactions, chiefly fission and fusion, will then be dealt with.
5) There will be an introduction to the basic experimental and theoretical aspects of Elementary Particle Physics, including a qualitative introduction to the Standard Model.
6) Basic notions in Cosmology, including the Big Bang, the early universe and evolution of galaxies will be introduced.
7) Throughout the course, the principles of quantum mechanics, such as linear superposition, spatial quantization, the Exclusion Principle, tunneling will be used. There will also be frequent references to Special Relativity.
Assigned Problems for Physics 236, from 'Modern Physics' by Serway, Moses and Moyer, 2nd Ed.
ch. 9 1, 2, 6, 8, 11, 12, 17, 21, 25
ch. 10 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17
ch. 11 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20
ch. 12 19, 21, 24, 26, 30, 32
ch. 13 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 19, 20, 21, 26, 30, 33, 37, 42, 45, 50, 52
ch. 14 2, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17, 20, 21, 24, 27, 33, 41, 45, 47, 49
ch. 15 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 30, 31
updated 1/7/03