Physics 2170: Foundations of Modern Physics
Quick information
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Lectures: |
MWF 10-1050 A.M. in Duane G-2B21 |
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Professor: |
Prof. Charles T. Rogers |
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Duane F-631 |
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(303) 492-4476 |
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Charles.Rogers@colorado.edu |
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Web page: |
http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys2170 |
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Introduction
Physics 2170, Foundations of Modern Physics, completes the three-semester sequence of general physics. The topics we will cover include special relativity, quantum mechanics in 1D, 2D, and 3D situations, quantum mechanical two-level systems, atomic structure, and special topics in atomic, high energy, and condensed matter physics. This course is designed to emphasize physical insight and new technical skills for physics majors. Physics 2170 is normally taken concurrently with the modern physics laboratory course, PHYS 2150. PHYS 2140, mathematical methods of physics, is prerequisite for the course. Co-requisites are MATH 2400 or APPM 2350.
Physics 2170 covers topics in Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. It is intended as a first introduction to the dual revolutions in our thinking about the universe around us, which were caused by these two theories.
Special Relativity (SR) was initially motivated by a need to unify the electrodynamics of Maxwell, with Newtonian mechanics. It succeeded admirably in this regard (by specifying a radical change in mechanics!). Its impact on physics has propagated well beyond this initial motivation. Its statements about the nature of space and time, predictions about their interrelationship, and the unification of such previously independent concepts as conservation of energy and conservation of matter, rocked the physics community of the early 20th century. SR continues to provide the basic structure for the interpretation of high energy physics. SR also represents one of the first examples of a theory based upon a postulated symmetry (constancy of the measured speed of light, or Lorentz invariance) and provides a fine example of how theories can be constructed to be consistent with a known symmetry.
Quantum mechanics is often considered to be the theory of very small systems. However, as all things are eventually composed of very small items (atoms for example), in many regards quantum mechanics is our most serious theory for understanding ANYTHING (other than gravity)! While Newtonian physics provides a good description of the motion of matter (better when modified by concepts from special relativity), it is only with quantum physics that we begin to understand why matter as we know it is even stable! Quantum mechanics involves a new way of looking at the world. It is the most successful theory ever developed by humans. At this point, there are simply no examples where firm predictions of the theory are known to fail.
Both of these theories, SR and quantum mechanics, are necessary foundational material for understanding the forefront of physics research today. For example, the combination of special relativity with quantum mechanics in relativistic quantum field theory, is an essential tool in understanding modern nuclear and high energy physics. Similarly, issues in quantum 'entanglement' (having an amplitude to be in several states simultaneously) are at the heart of new areas like quantum computation and quantum teleportation.
Finally, one measure of the importance of these theories is the impact that they have had on other fields of human thought. Entire fields, such as social relativity, efforts to use concepts like the Heisenberg uncertainty principle to support or refute a wide variety of belief systems, etc. indicate how these theories have been integrated into the social fabric of our planet. Each year, the Physics Department receives unsolicited manuscripts from various serious, semi-serious, and quack authors, declaring that they have proven Einstein, Heisenberg, Feynman, Dirac,...to be mistaken, misinterpreted, etc. The shear volume of crank interest attests to the importance and power of these theories. It is our goal to provide you with a background that allows you to both appreciate and USE them.
The text we will use is "Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by local physics faculty, John Taylor and Chris Zafaratos. A good additional text, sometimes used for this course, is "Modern Physics" 3rd Edition, by Paul A. Tipler and Ralph A. Llewellyn. Both of these books provide coverage of relativity, introductory quantum mechanics, and have several chapters on particular fields where these theories find application.
In addition to the required text, we will have a number of textbooks held on reserve. One of the most important of these is "The Feynman Lectures in Physics", by Richard Feynman, Timothy Leighton, and Matthew Sands. Anyone interested in learning physics in a deep way should seriously consider investing in their own copy of Feynman. Other books of interest:
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Author |
Comments |
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The Feynman Lectures, Vols. 1, 2, and 3 |
R. P. Feynman, R. B. Leighton, M. L. Sands |
What can I say? An outstanding treatment of physics, by a great teacher. Vol. 3: quantum mechanics by a master. |
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Relativity: The special and general theories |
A. Einstein |
From the inventor himself as a clear introduction. Some antiquated notation, but still good reading. |
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Special Relativity |
A. P. French |
Great book. Wordy (I like that) and detailed. A book we might have used. |
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The Special Theory of Relativity |
David Bohm |
Interesting sections on the history of experimental support for the theory. Also, some offbeat commentary about how we learn to perceive the world around us. |
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Space and Time in Special Relativity |
N. David Mermin |
Nice introductory text. |
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The Theory of Relativity |
Wolfgang Pauli |
Included for historical and intellectual impact. Written by Pauli at the age of 19 and 20. Think about it! |
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Introduction to Quantum Physics |
A. P. French and E. F. Taylor |
A book we might have used. |
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Quantum Physics |
Gasiorowicz |
A good undergraduate text that you may use again. |
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Quantum Mechanics |
Cohen-Tanudji, Diu, and Laloe |
Great two-volume text with MANY special examples worked in detail. |
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Quantum Mechanics |
Linus Pauling and E. Bright Wilson |
One of the first comprehensive quantum texts. Included so that you can see the old style of presenting the material, starting with Hamiltonian mechanics. Covers many topics of interest to chemists. |
Grading
Your course grade is determined by weekly homework assignments (40% of the grade), two midterm exams (20% of the grade each), and a final exam/project (20% of the grade).
Exams
The exams will be closed book, but you may bring a single 8-1/2 x 11inch piece of paper with notes.
The exam times will be determined, but will likely fall around Sept. 24 and Nov. 5, 2002.
Homework
There will be a written homework assignment each week. These assignments are distributed via the course web site. Problems will be available on Wednesdays and will be due at the beginning of class on Wednesday the following week. We will skip these written assignments on exam weeks.
Homework is exceedingly important for developing an understanding of the course material. I strongly encourage you to find some partners and work on the homework together. Essentially all physicists work as part of a group. After all, we are dealing with some of the most important and powerful ideas that humans have had. However, it is important to be certain that you OWN the material by writing it up on your own. Work with a group, but write up your own work. If you feel that significant credit for breaking a problem goes to one particular individual or reference work, feel free to reference the breakthrough and then press on.
The web page
The web page for Physics 2170 provides information on the class activities, homework assignments, contact information, etc.. We are rapidly reaching the point where essentially all types of service, information, and products are available on the Internet. You are strongly encouraged to use the Physics 2170 web site and provide feedback on course services that you'd like to see included.