PHYS-453 Modern Physics
This course covers a selection of the major topics in modern physics. It begins with special relativity the Lorentz transformation, the relativistic Doppler effect, relativistic momentum and energy, the concept of four vectors and relativistic invariants. Then quantization of light, Planck's development of black body radiation, the photoelectric effect and Compton scattering are discussed. Next the three dimensional Schrodinger equation is discussed for the H atom, addition of angular momenta, the basics of quantum mechanics with operators and expectation values, the quantum oscillator and reflection and transmission of waves The course concludes with topics in nuclear physics and the standard model of particle physics.
Offered
Fall