SK180N Introductory Modern Physics 9.0 credits

• Educational level

  First cycle

• Academic level (A-D)

  A

• Subject area

  Physics
  Techonology
  

• Grade scale

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

• Supplementary course information

• Course web

Learning outcomes

The course will provide basic knowledge about the rules and laws that governs micro cosmos, i.e. about electrons, atoms, nuclei, and their interaction with electromagnetic radiation. The course will also show how these rules and laws can be used within technology and medicine.

The student will after the course know how to:

• solve problems about the hydrogen atom concerning energies and wavelengths between obtained between energy levels
• explain and perform calculations on the Photoelectric effect and the Compton effect
• discuss quantum mechanical problems dealing with the Heisenberg uncertainty principle
• perform calculations on frequency conditions, mode structure of a laser and the laser medium
• perform simpler calculations with the Schrödinger equation
• do estimates of the Fermi function regarding energies in solids and explain the band model
• explain the phenomenon of nuclear decay and to perform calculations on half lifes
• explain and perform calculations on the Einstein’s energy relations and how to calculate fusion and fission energy production
• discuss the build-up of the elementary particles.

Course main content

Waves and Photons. Electrons and material waves. Quantum mechanics. Heisenberg uncertainty relation. Schrödinger equation. Pauli principle and the Periodical system. Tunnelling microscope. Hydrogen atom. Electronic spin. Atomic structure. Magnetic resonance with applications. X-rays and elemental analysis. Laser radiation. Conductors, semi-conductors and isolators, p-n transitions. The fotodiode and LED. Nuclear structure and binding energy. Nuclear decay. Nuclear energy. Fission and fusion. Elementary particles and the forces between them.

Disposition

Internetcourse examined over the Internet

Eligibility

• General requirements, i.e. completed upper secondary education including documented proficiency in Swedish and English (for courses given in Swedish) or including documented proficiency in English (for courses given in English).
• Specific requirements: knowledge of Mathematics corresponding to Mathematics D/3C, Physics corresponding to Physics B/2 and Chemistry corresponding to Chemistry A/1 is required.

Prerequisites

Mathematical knowledge corresponding to basic courses in algebra and analysis (derivates, integrals and differential equations)

Literature

Internetbok: http://kurslab.physics.kth.se/~berg/Modern fysik.html

Examination

• TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• TEN2 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• TEN3 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Exams on the internet

Requirements for final grade

Three written examinations.

Offered by

SCI/Applied undergraduate Physics

Contact

info@rcn.kth.se

Examiner

Martin Viklund <bmw@kth.se>

Olli Launila <olli@kth.se>

Supplementary information

Internet course. Can be studied any time.

Add-on studies

SK181N Lasers and Applications

Version

Course plan valid from: Spring 14.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 07.