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.
PHY 304: Theoretical Physics II
Prerequisite Courses