Physics

An introduction to oscillations, waves, light, and Einstein's relativity, one of the two major advances in physics in the 20th century. Topics include: simple harmonic motion, damped oscillations, forced oscillations and resonance, coupled oscillations and normal modes, standing waves and traveling waves, Fourier analysis, sound, dispersion, electromagnetic waves, polarization, Poynting vector, radiation pressure, the generation of electromagnetic waves, scattering, reflection and refraction, geometrical optics, waveguides, interference, and diffraction. Topics in relativity include the postulates of special relativity; consequences for simultaneity, time dilation, and length contraction; Lorentz transformations; relativistic paradoxes; Minkowsky diagrams; invariants and four vectors; relativistic momentum and energy; particle collisions; relativity and electromagnetisms. Required in the field of concentration. Prerequisite: PHY 202. Corequisites: PHY 310, MTH 320. Fall semester.

An introduction to modern physics, including the second major advance in physics in the 20th century: Quantum Mechanics. Quantum Mechanics is discussed using the Schrodinger Equation. Solutions will give the wave function and energy level quantization of example systems: particles in potential wells, tunneling through barriers, harmonic oscillators, and the hydrogen atom. Discussion will progress to the properties of multi-electron atoms, the periodic table, X-ray spectra, and entanglement. Solids and molecules are discussed including bonding, molecular spectra, crystal structure, energy bands, the nature of metals, semiconductors and insulators, and how semiconductor devices work. We will then proceed to the basics of nuclear physics such as nuclear binding, models of the nucleus, nuclear spin, NMR and MRI, nuclear stability and radiation, radioactive dating, biological effects of radiation, and nuclear fission and fusion. Particle physics discussions will lead to elementary particle properties, particle accelerators, the standard model and the history of the universe. Mathematical tools needed in upper-level classes are introduced. Prerequisite: PHY 303, 310 and MTH 320. Corequisite: PHY 311. Spring semester.

This course will continue work on statistical concepts in data and error analysis, scientific report writing, and measurement procedures. Experiments are chosen from various areas of classical, atomic, and solid-state physics, e.g., superconductivity, strength of materials, X-ray diffraction, electrical resistivity, magnetic potential energy, magnetic susceptibility, statics, dynamics, interference, diffraction, and spectrometry. Required in the field of concentration. Prerequisite: PHY 303, 310. Corequisite: PHY 304. Spring semester.

Computer techniques and methods to solve physical problems are taught. Students will be introduced to Linux-based computing using the Python programming language. These tools will be employed in the study of problems such as integration techniques, Lissajous figures, Lagrange points, spacecraft trajectories, and N-body simulations. The Python skills acquired will be applicable to scientific computing in any natural science. Examples chosen will reflect the student's background and interests. Prerequisite: MTH 220. Offered on demand.

An essential study of electric and magnetic phenomena, with emphasis on the fields in vacuo and in materials. Vector calculus is introduced and then applied throughout. Electrostatics and magnetostatics are developed, with emphasis on Gauss' and Ampere's laws. Induced EMFs and Maxwell's equations conclude this basic course. Required in the field of concentration. Prerequisite: PHY 202 (PHY 303 is recommended.) Spring, odd-numbered years.

Advanced laboratory experiments on topics from mechanics and light. Typical experiments include the speed of light, electron spin resonance, charge on the electron (Millikan experiment), driven harmonic motion, measurement of g(reversible pendulum), measurement of G (Cavendish torsional pendulum), Frank-Hertz experiment, optical interference effects in single and multiple slits, Michelson interferometer, Fabry-Perot interferometer, optical filter transmission characteristics, electron diffraction on graphite crystals, photoelectric effect, Schlierens optical system, and optical properties of prisms. (One course chosen from PHY 470, 471, 472 or 480 is required for the major.) Prerequisites: PHY 304 and 311. Fall, odd-numbered years.

A state-of-the-art X-ray diffractometer will be used to teach crystallography. The course stresses principles and measurement of atomic crystalline arrangements. Identification and physical properties of metals, inorganics, minerals, etc., will be considered. The second part of the laboratory will use gamma ray spectrometry to measure and identify nuclear isotopes. Principles of nuclear radiation and its detection will be taught. Both the X-ray and nuclear equipment use computer data collection and analysis. Radiation measurement may be studied to a greater extent as an option for those with corresponding career interests. (One course chosen from Physics 470, 471, 472, or 480 is required for the major.) Corequisite: PHY 507. Prerequisites: PHY 304 and 311. Fall, even-numbered years.

Advanced laboratory experiments: electrostatic measurements, magnetic hysteresis, Hall effect, inductance, A.C. circuits, etc. (One course chosen from PHY 470, 471, 472 or 480 is required for the major.) Prerequisites: PHY 304 and 311. Offered on demand.

This course involves an introduction to the magnetism of metals and alloys and magnetic impurities in these systems. In the first semester, 480, theoretical and experimental ideas in the areas of magnetism, condensed matter physics, low temperature physics, and vacuum science will be discussed and demonstrated. The class will then carry out an experimental procedure for one alloy.

The probabilistic theory of particles and their interactions has been very successful since its early forms treated quantization of radiation, electron photon interactions and atomic energies (Planck 1901, Einstein 1905 and Bohr 1913). Modern quantum mechanics deal with particles described as wave packets having a range of positions and momenta. This explains both the particle and wave effects observed. These wave packets are solutions of the Schrodinger wave equation and involve both space and time. The formal theory involves finding wave function solutions for harmonic oscillators, the hydrogen atom and other systems. Physical properties of these systems are extracted from these wave functions through the use of mathematical operators. This course is essential for those wishing to pursue graduate study in physics or related areas. Required in the field of concentration. Prerequisites: PHY 304 and PHY 311. Offered each fall.

An advanced study of nuclear and atomic physics. Topics will include: relativistic treatment of energy and momentum in nuclear reactions and Compton scattering, nuclear and atomic structure, the nucleonnucleon interaction, nuclear decay, particle accelerators, and nuclear particle detection. Quantum mechanics will be used when appropriate. Prerequisites: PHY 304 and PHY 490 (or senior standing in physics with instructor's permission.) (One course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511 or PHY 520 is required for the major.) Fall, even-numbered years.

Background and theory necessary to understand modern optical devices, instruments, techniques and phenomena. The course begins with a study of the mathematics of waves and important aspects of Maxwell's electromagnetic theory. The course uses geometrical optics to understand thin and thick lenses and systems of lenses such as telescopes and microscopes. The wave theory of light is used to study polarization, interference and diffraction. Various types of interferometers are examined, as well as diffraction of multiple slits and gratings. (One course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511, or PHY 520 is required for the major.) Prerequisite: PHY 303 and PHY 310 (PHY 304 and PHY 311 are recommended.) Spring, odd-numbered years

A study of the properties and physical processes taking place in the solid. This subject draws on all the areas of physics and thus tends to unify knowledge from other courses. The course begins by laying groundwork in crystal structure, crystal binding energies, crystal diffraction and the reciprocal lattice. We will then consider thermal properties of crystals, the free electron gas in metals, Fermi surfaces, energy bands in solids, electron transport, and semiconductor devices. Strongly recommended for those considering graduate school in physics, chemistry, or engineering, or seeking an industrial position in physics or engineering. (One course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511, or PHY 520 is required for the major.) Prerequisite: PHY 490 and PHY 304. (PHY 421 and 451 are recommended) .Spring, odd-numbered years.