Modern Physics I (PHY 305.001)-Fall Semester, 2001

Text:

Modern Physics, 2nd edition, by Kenneth Krane

Meets at:

11-12 MWF, Willet Science Center (WSC) Room 106

Instructor:

Dr. Randall D. Peters

Office:

WSC Room 115, Office phone: 301-2747 (home phone: 745-6963)

Office hours:

8:30-9:25 M-F.

e-mail:

peters_rd@mercer.edu

personal homepage:

http://physics.mercer.edu/petepag/nonlin.htm

physics department homepage:

http://physics.mercer.edu

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This course is the first in the two-semester sequence PHY 305/306 Modern Physics I/II, which introduces the student to the main developments of twentieth-century physics before the advent of chaos theory. It is intended primarily for physics majors, but should be of interest also to many other students of science and engineering. Prerequisite is the two-semester calculus-based introductory physics sequence PHY 161/162 General Physics I/II and a year of calculus, such as MAT 191/192 Calculus I/II, or their equivalent. PHY305 will concentrate on the basics of quantum mechanics with application to atoms, molecules, and selected many-body systems, such as solids.

The primary goal of the course is for students to develop conceptual understanding while acquiring basic skills of quantitative, math-methods type.  Students will: be exposed to experimental results that led to the quantum revolution; perform calculations concerning the wave-particle behavior of matter and radiation; understand and explain basic concepts like Heisenberg's uncertainty principle and quantum probability; apply the Schroedinger equation to simple systems like the hydrogen atom; manipulate atomic wavefunctions in order to describe the electronic orbitals of many-electron atoms and molecules; perform simple statistical physics calculations; and understand some of the quantum properties of solid materials.

Writing Essay(s): Certain days (number TBD) will be primarily devoted to discussion of student-selected special-topic material. The student scheduled to speak will have previously handed in a short essay on his or her special topic. This will be presented to the class, and in part will form the basis for discussion.

• I don't have a formal attendance policy-be forewarned, however, that students with more than an occasional absence usually do poorly.
• Examinations may be made-up only if the student has an official excuse. There is no extra-credit work.
• The College of Liberal Arts academic misconduct policy will be followed.  In addition, all students are bound by the Mercer University Honor Code. Any student who violates it, e.g., by cheating in any aspect of the course, will fail the entire course.
• Any student who receives failing grades during the course is urged to meet with the instructor and discuss such work.
• Students who believe that they possess disabilities for which reasonable accommodation is required must so inform the instructor at the close of their first class meeting. They must then identify their disability and the accommodation requested. The instructor will refer them to the office of the Dean of Students for evaluation, documentation of their disability, and a recommendation as to the accommodation, if any, to be provided. Students who do NOT consult with the instructor and follow up at the office of the Dean of Students, as provided above, will thereby waive any claim to a disability and the right to any accommodation pertaining thereto. All requests for reasonable accommodation are welcome also in regard to absence from class for school representation (i.e., athletic or other events) or personal/family problems. Let's talk about it...
• If you have a problem of any kind, my door is open to you. (If your schedule should be in conflict with my office hours, then attempt to arrange an appointment either: (i) during class, or (ii) by a chance meeting using the information posted on my door.)
• Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering any classroom, lab, or formal academic or performance event