A calculus-based introduction to waves and modern physics. Topics include interference and diffraction, special relativity, photons and matter waves, the Bohr atom, wave mechanics, atomic physics, molecular and solid-state physics, nuclear, and particle physics.
Prerequisite:
PH2200 or PH2200H
or PH2260
This course is a prerequisite for
MY4210, MY4250,
PH3110,
PH3310, PH3410,
PH4395, and PH4510.
Course fee: $8.50
Text (Spring, 2006):
Previous version of the course, last taught Spring, 2004:
PH2400 University Physics IV - Waves and Modern Physics ... (0-3-0) s ... 2 Cr
Topic | Number of Lectures and Recitations (combined) |
Chapter in Wolfson and Pasachoff |
|---|---|---|
| Interference and Diffraction | 6 | 37 |
| The Theory of Relativity | 6 | 38 |
| Light and Matter: Waves or Particles? | 6 | 39 |
| Quantum Mechanics | 6 | 40 |
| Atomic Physics | 6 | 41 |
| Molecular and Solid-State Physics | 3 | 42 |
| Nuclear Physics | 3 | 43 |
| Nuclear Energy: Fission and Fusion | 3 | 44 |
| From Quarks to the Cosmos | 3 | 45 |
Course Rationale:
One of four courses making up a year and a half of introductory physics
using a calculus-based approach. This course introduces students
to wave behavior and physics of the twentieth century culminating in a treatment of
quantum phenomena using mathematical skills at the level of second year calculus
and with the depth that is usually found in an introductory physics course.
The material in this course is traditionally part of the physics education of
engineering and science majors and closely resembles the previous PH310 course.
This course is required for SPH
and SAP majors.