Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2016 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2014-2016 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PH 4500 - Modern Physics


(3)
Fall semester of odd-numbered calendar year

“Modern physics” is distinguished from “classical physics” not only by its youth (dating from about 1900) but also by its description of phenomena in startlingly different ways. The basic new theories are relativity and quantum mechanics, which form the basis for the description of “elementary particles,” nuclei, atoms, molecules and matter in its various states. This course begins with a study of special relativity and then turns to quantum theory, describing the empirical discoveries leading to each. Emphasis is placed on the meaning of these theories. Applications of quantum theory to the study of atoms, molecules and solids are studied.

Prerequisite: PH 2900  and MT 1810 - Calculus II .