Introductory Modern Physics

Introductory Modern Physics
Instructor:
M. Gericke
213 Allen Building
Phone: 474-6203
E-mail: mgericke@physics.umanitoba.ca
Consultation:
Text:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:30 - 13:30
Kenneth Krane, Modern Physics, 2nd edition, J. Wiley & Sons
Supplementary Texts (only suggested for further reference, not required):
Halliday, Resnick & Krane, Physics, 5th edition, J. Wiley & Sons
Young & Freedman, University Physics, 11th edition, Pearson/Addison-Wesley
Term Work:
Homework – roughly every second week – due back two weeks later.
One 1-hour midterm will be scheduled during class on March 4, 2008.
A final exam will be scheduled during the April 2008 finals period,
the exact date will be announced in time.
Evaluation:
Homework 30% midterm 30% final exam 40%
Further important information, such as downloadable lecture notes, homework
assignments, course news, etc … can be found on the course homepage:
http://www.physics.umanitoba.ca/undergraduate/phys2250/index.html
Access to this website is important, and if you have problems visiting it regularly,
please see me immediately.
Introduction to Modern Physics
Winter 2008, M. Gericke
• “Old” (or classical) vs. “modern” physics, short overview
• Einstein’s theory of special relativity
• Early quantum physics (Bohr-Rutherford atom)
• Particle-wave duality
• Modern quantum mechanics, Schrödinger equation
• Atoms and molecules
• Nuclear physics
• Elementary particles
Initial Remarks
• Read chapter 1 of Krane for a review of classical
physics, units etc.
If you are not familiar with the concepts in ch. I, talk
to me.
• In addition to assigned homework, you are encouraged
to tackle as many problems as you wish (obviously), and
you can consult me about them during office hours.
Example 2.1:
Two cars are traveling a constant speed along a road in the
same direction. Car A moves 60 km/hr and car B moves at
40 km/hr, each measured relative to the ground.
What is the speed of car A relative to car B ?
Example 2.2:
An airplane is flying due east relative to still air at a
speed of 320 km/hr. There is a 65 km/hr wind blowing
toward the north, as measured with respect to the ground.
What is the velocity of the plane relative to the ground?