PHY 311 Syllabus

Modern Physics -- PHY 311
Syllabus -- Fall, 2000



Professor:Dr. Ken Kiers
Office: NS-207
Office hrs:MF 3:00-5:00 p.m.; W 3:00-4:00 p.m.; R 12:00-1:00 p.m.
E-mail: knkiers
Phone: 8-4689 (office)
Text: Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 2nd ed., by Thornton and Rex
Lab Manual: Physics 311 Laboratory Manual (available in the bookstore)
Supplement: Special Relativity, by French (on reserve in the library)
Lectures: MWF at 12:00 pm (NS-210)
Laboratory: NS-213
Course Home Page: http://www.css.tayloru.edu/~knkiers/phy311/311home.html


Welcome!

In this course we will study the two "cornerstones" of Modern Physics: Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. We begin by examining Einstein's theory of Special Relativity, which has revolutionized how we think about space and time. We will see that two very simple postulates have led to some very profound conclusions. We then turn to an examination of the Quantum Theory, in which the "classical" notions of "particles" and "waves" are blurred. Again we will see that new theoretical ideas and experimental data forced a complete re-examination of many of our dearly-held beliefs. In the final part of the course we will apply the techniques of Quantum Mechanics to the study of sub-atomic systems.

Goals of the Course:

By the end of the course students should:
  • be able to explain the experimental and theoretical situation at the turn of the century which eventually led to the downfall of "classical" physics in favour of Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics.

  • have a basic qualitative understanding of relativistic and quantum mechanical phenomena.

  • be technically proficient at using relativistic and quantum mechanical techniques in order to solve various standard problems.

Physics 311 Home Page:

The homepage for this course may be checked for information regarding due dates for homework assignments and lab reports, updated test dates, etc.


Time permitting, we will cover the topics outlined below:

Course Outline:

  • Special Relativity
    • Einstein's Postulates
    • Lorentz Transformation
    • Time Dilation and Length Contraction
    • Addition of Velocities
    • Twin Paradox and Spacetime
    • Relativistic Dynamics
  • Experimental Basis of Quantum Mechanics
  • Structure of the Atom
  • Wave Properties of Matter
    • Wave Function and Probability
    • Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
  • Quantum Mechanics
    • The Schrödinger Equation
    • Expectation Values
    • Simple Potential Problems
    • Tunneling
  • The Hydrogen Atom
  • Many-Electron Atoms
  • Statistical Physics
  • General Relativity


Grade Determination:

  • Laboratory -- 25%
  • Midterm Exams (3 @ 13 1/3% each) -- 40%
  • Homework Problems and Quizzes -- 25%
  • Final Exam (comprehensive) -- 10%

Grading Scale:

 A93.3 - 100 A-90.0 - 93.3
B+86.7 - 90.0B83.3 - 86.7 B-80.0 - 83.3
C+76.7 - 80.0C73.3 - 76.7 C-70.0 - 73.3
D+66.7 - 70.0D63.3 - 66.7 D-60.0 - 63.3

Homework:

Homework will be assigned once or twice a week in this course and will generally be due two or three class periods after it is assigned (please check the Physics 311 homepage if you are unsure of the due date). Homework is due by 5:00 p.m. on the due date.

Late Homework:

Late homework will be penalized as follows:
  • Received one day late (by 5 p.m.): 30% off.
  • Received two days late (by 5 p.m.): 60% off.
Late homework will not be accepted after two days.

Quizzes:

Quizzes may be given periodically throughout the semester. They will be announced at least one class in advance.

Laboratory:

The following is a tentative list of labs for this course:
  1. Time Dilation with Muons
  2. Special Relativity Computer Simulations
  3. Measurement of the Speed of Light
  4. Measurement of the Mass of the Top Quark (Theory Lab)
  5. Measurement of the Ratio of Charge to Mass for the Electron
  6. Analysis of Bubble Chamber Photographs
  7. Millikan's Oil Drop Experiment (2 weeks)
  8. Photoelectric Effect
  9. Bragg Scattering with Microwaves
  10. Quantum Mechanics Computer Simulations
  11. Spectral Studies
  12. Field Trip to Fermilab and Argonne
Midterm Exams:

There will be three unit exams over the course of the semester. These will be given in the evenings in order to allow students more time to write the exams. The tentative dates for these are as follows:

  • Exam #1 -- Wednesday, Sep. 27, 2000; 7:00 p.m.
  • Exam #2 -- Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2000; 7:00 p.m.
  • Exam #3 -- Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2000; 7:00 p.m.
Final Exam:

The final exam will be comprehensive. Please check the exam schedule for the date and time.

Attendance:

Students are allowed four unexcused absences for a four-credit course. In cases in which this limit is exceeded, students may expect their final grade to be decreased. Please get in touch with me if you have a valid reason for being absent. Attendance at Exams, Quizzes and Labs is mandatory unless you have made prior arrangements with me.

Academic Dishonesty:

The university has a clear policy on academic dishonesty. Quoting from the catalog: "Any act that involves misrepresentation regarding the student's academic work...is forbidden." (p. 21, Taylor University 2000-2002 Catalog.) Assigned homework in this class is to be written up individually by each student. Students may work together on assigned homework problems, but the solutions themselves must be written up individually. In particular, students may not show their completed assignments to classmates. Students found in violation of the academic dishonesty policy will suffer a reduction in their grade and will be reported to the Office of Academic Affairs.


Encouragement:

I am here to help! If you have a question, please stop by my office during my office hours. You may also make an appointment to see me at other times if you cannot make it during my office hours.



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