Documente Academic
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Documente Cultură
Fall 2015
Modern Physics
Prof. Brent Nelson
Course Description: Reviews the experimental foundations for modern physics,
such as the demonstration of the atomic nature of matter, the properties of the
electron, the wave-nature of elementary particles and the existence of
intrinsic spin. Introduces the theory of special relativity, as well as the early
theories of quantum physics. Presents the Schrodinger equation and its
solutions in one dimension for simple systems. Discusses, mostly at a
phenomenological level, such subjects as atomic and nuclear structure, solidstate physics, elementary particles and fundamental interactions, cosmology
and the Big Bang model.
Course Goals: (1) To understand what experimental evidence led to the
postulates of special relativity and quantum mechanics. (2) To understand the
interplay between theory and experiment during the historical development of
quantum mechanics. (3) To develop an understanding of how quantum
mechanics is interpreted in the modern context. (4) Learn to solve boundarycondition problems in quantum mechanics. (5) To extend this knowledge to
larger systems, including the atomic, molecular and nuclear. (6) To become
familiar with the on-going questions at the frontier of modern physics research.
Course Location: 109 Robinson, MWTh 1:35-2:40pm
Instructor Office Hours: Mondays 5-6pm; Wednesdays 10-12 (225 Dana)
Instructor Contact Information: b.nelson@neu.edu, 617-373-2956
Textbook: The textbook we will use is
Modern Physics (6th edition).Paul A. Tipler and Ralph A.
Llewellyn.
ISBN 1-4292-5078-X
In addition, copies of lecture slides shown in class will be available in a
separate bound Class Pack at the campus bookstore. Not all material covered in
lectures will be found in the textbook, so attendance at lectures is strongly
encouraged. It is assumed that you will have read the relevant textbook
passages before attending the lectures.