Module Code - Title:
PH4132
-
MODERN PHYSICS
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
PH4102
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will develop the student's understanding of fundamental concepts and ideas in modern physics, specifically the use and application of the Schroedinger equation, and the priciples of special relativity.
Syllabus:
Wave mechanics: De Broglie's hypothesis, wave functions and probability amplitudes, the Heisenberg Uncertainty principle. The Schroedinger wave equation: simple solutions in one dimension, transmission, reflection and penetration at a barrier, tunnelling, potential wells, the harmonic oscillator.
The Schroedinger equation in three dimensions: the hydrogen atom, quantisation of angular momentum, spatial quantisation, the Zeeman effect.
Spin: the fourth quantum number, the Pauli exclusion principle.
Special Relativity: Relativistic dynamics, relativistic mass and momentum, total energy, mass/energy equivalence. Spacetime: spacetime diagrams, introduction to four-vectors. Application of relativistic dynamics to particle beam devices and collision experiments.
Nuclear Physics: Nucleons and nuclear models, nuclear spin nuclear reactions and cross-sections. Introduction to elementary particles and the Standard Model.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Define key concepts in modern physics including wave function, probability amplitude, reference frame, invariance.
- Solve the Schroedinger equation for 1-dimensional potential wells.
- Apply the 3-d Schroedinger equation to the hydrogen atom.
- Apply the basic relationships of special relativity to high energy particles.
- Derive, from given premises, relevant relationships between physical variables.
- Solve problems, from information given, requiring the calculation of the values of physical variables in quantum mechanics and relativity.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
- Explain the relevance of quantum theory and relativity in modern views of the physical universe.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Students will learn via interactive lecture, experiential and interactive tutorial, and problem-based private study.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Taylor J.R. Zafiratos, C.D. Dubson M.A. (2004)
Modern Physics For Scientists and Engineers
, Prentice Hall
Other Relevant Texts:
Blatt F.J. (1992)
Modern Physics
, McGraw-Hill
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Spring
-
09/10
Module Leader:
Ian.Clancy@ul.ie