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SH1012 Modern Physics 8.0 credits

Modern fysik

  • Educational level

    First cycle

  • Academic level (A-D)

  • Subject area

    Techonology

  • Grade scale

    A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Course offerings

Spring 13 for programme students

Spring 14 for programme students

Learning outcomes

After completing this course a student should be able to:

  • Explain the scientific basis of modern physics, as defined by the course syllabus.  
  • Set up and perform relativistic calculations for simple cases and quantum mechanical calculations on simple systems
  • Apply quantum mechanical principles to scientific and technical applications
  • Report on practical experience concerning experimental methods within modern physics
  • Complete a simple research project with a modern physics focus as part of a small group

Course main content

The experimental foundations of modern physics: Elementary relativity theory. The Michelson-Morely experiment. Einstein's theory of special relativity. Length contraction. Time dialation. Elementary quantum physics. Planck's radiation law. X-ray radiation and spectra. Rutherford's atomic model. Atomic structure. Bohr's atomic model. Atomic energy levels. Nuclear structure. Radioactive decay. Matter waves. Wave packets and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Wave-particle duality.

Quantum mechanics: the foundations of quantum mechanics. Introduction to operators. The Schrödinger equation applied to simple potentials. Interpretation of wave functions. Plane wave solutions. The harmonic oscillator. Angular momentum and spin. The hydrogen atom and the periodic table. The Pauli principle.

Applications to physical phenomena: (including) the photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, X-ray diffraction, particle diffraction, the Stark effect, the Zeeman effect. Applications within science and technology (including) tunneling, the tunneling electron microscope, the Stern-Gerlach experiment, the atomic nucleus, the helium atom, simple molecules. The building blocks of matter: particles and their interactions.

Eligibility

Courses in physics (or equivalent): SI1121, SK1102, SI1140; courses in mathematics (or equivalent): SF1604, SF1602, SF1603, SF1901; courses in mechanics (or equivalent): SG1130.

Prerequisites

Courses in physics (or equivalent): SI1121, SK1102, SI1140; courses in mathematics (or equivalent): SF1604, SF1602, SF1603, SF1901; courses in mechanics (or equivalent): SG1130.

Literature

Modern Physics, Randy Harris. Pearson / Addison-Wesley.

Examination

  • LAB1 - Laboratories, 1.0 credits, grade scale: P, F
  • PRO1 - Project, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 5.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Written examination (5.5 hp)

Laboratory exercises with written reports (1 hp)

Project work (1.5 hp)

Offered by

SCI/Physics

Contact

Torbjörn Bäck, back@nuclear.kth.se, 08-55378041

Examiner

Torbjörn Bäck <back@kth.se>

Version

Course plan valid from: Spring 12.
Examination information valid from: Spring 12.