Course Description

This course is intended to cover some of the standard concepts in modern physics since 1900. It includes special theory of relativity,  particle nature of light and wave nature of matter, introductory quantum theory of atoms and introductory quantum mechanics. The course aims to lay the foundational  concepts for students who would take up papers on quantum mechanics at a higher level. 

More specifically, we would cover the following topics: 

SR: Failure of Newtonian mechanics, Michelson-Morley experiment, special relativity postulates, time dilation, length contraction, twin paradox, Lorentz transformation, relativistic dynamics, mass energy equivalence. 

photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, photons, Franck-Hertz experiment, Thompson model, Rutherford model, the Bohr atom, De Broglie waves, electron diffraction, wave-particle duality of matter and light.

Introduction to wave mechanics: Schroedinger's equation, wave functions, wave packets, probability amplitudes, stationary states, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and zero-point energies, complementary principle.

Solutions to Schroedinger's equation in one dimension: infinite potential well, finite potential well, tunneling effect.

 Atomic spectrum, Thompson model, Rutherford model; Bohr hydrogen-like model; Frank-Hertz experiment, Correspondence principle

Course Duration

This course is offered in the second semester for science students in the USM  -- a 14-week term at USM that runs from 22 Nov 2004  until 26 Feb 2005.

Course Prerequisites

The modern physics course is one of the few undergraduate physics paper conducted in English. Hence students must prepare to take the challenge of familiarising themselves with the rather "unusual" teaching environment which is conducted in English. Despite there is no formal prerequisites (prasyarat kursus) for this course, students are assumed to have been familiar with elementary calculus,  differential equations, and Newtonian mechanics.  And of course they are required to understand, to read and to write in English. 

Consultation hours 

There is no specific timeslots allocated for consultation with the lecturer as he of dedicated  willingness to offer consultation and advice to students who wish to engage in discussion with him anytime. However, in order to avoid inconvenience students are advised to call up (ext 3674) or email him (tlyoon@usm.my) before rushing into his office. His door is always open to you.

General Comments

Modern physics is one of the most interesting subject in undergraduate physics. Most of the concepts introduced, such as Einstein's notion that space and time is a relative concept, and that microscopic particles are intrinsically behaving like waves (as expounded in  quantum theory), are both intellectually intriguing and somewhat counter-intuitive. 

Textbooks

The following textbooks are required or strongly recommended. There exist many good textbooks on the topics of modern physics. I have decided to select the following  as my main reference texts. Lecture material shall be based on them. It is strongly advised  that student should not be contented with the lecture material supplied from the lecturer alone. They should make reference to these suggested texts and do the reading on a consistent manner. You gonna prepare to think in an intellectual manner in order  to comprehend the essential concepts I wish to convey in this course. To people who are expecting to make only mechanical memorisation and  pass with flying colour, please be prepared for disappointment.  

Main Text:

1.    Modern Physics, 3ed, by Serway, Moses and Moyer, Thomson 2005.

2.    Modern Physics, 1996 ed, by Kenneth Krane, John. Wiley & Sons.

Others references:

• Modern Physics Second Edition, Schaum's series by Ronald Gautreu and Willian Savin, MaGraw-Hill (solved problems and sample exercises)

•  Concepts of Modern Physics, Arthur Beiser, McGraw-Hill

Advanced texts for hard-core physics enthusiasts:

• Introduction to special relativity, by Robert Resnick, John Wiley & sons (readable and well explained, suggested for enthusiasts)

• Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles by Robert Eisberg, Robert Resnick, John Wiley & Sons; 2nd edition

Problem Sets (tutorial sheets)

Problem sets are an integral part of this course. It simply isn't  possible to learn physics unless you sit down and work through problems and concepts on your own. Formally there will be some assigned tutors to provide guidance and counseling to the students on the subject. However, we recognize that students also learn a great deal from talking to and working with each other. We therefore encourage each student to make his/her own attempt on every problem and then, having done so, to discuss the problems with one another and collaborate on understanding them more fully. Problem sets are available on the course's web page.

Be noted that as an adult you are no longer treated as kinder garden kids. Hence you would not be asked to pass up your tutorial answers for marking. To encourage active learning, you are expected to make active discussions with your tutors or fellow course mates instead of passively waiting for your tutors to mark the tutorial questions for you. The later attitude of learning is actually discouraged and not to be entertained. Instead you are encouraged to take initiatives to discuss whatever questions you have with your tutors during tutorial sessions, or you may consult them during their respective consultation hours. 

Solutions are only made available to those students who have attempted the questions. You got to show your solutions in black and white to your tutors in order to obtain the full solutions. This is an attempt made to encourage students to try the questions themselves instead of being a mere passive copy cat.