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Introductory Modern Physics

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Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should:

  • Be able to explain the scientific basis of modern physics as defiened by the course content.
  • Be able to contruct and perform quantum mechanical calculations of simple systems.
  • Be able to apply quantum mechanical principles within the natural sciences and technology.
  • Have aquired practical experience of experimental methods within modern physics.

Course main content

Part I (The experimental background of Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics) 5 hp

The experimentel background of modern Physics. Material waves (“de Broglie waves”). Wavw packets and the Heisenberg uncertainty relation. Wave-particle duality. Atomic structure. The Bohr model of the atom. Atomic energy levels. The foundations of quantum mechanics. Applications of the Schrödinger equation to simple potentials. Interpretations of wave functions. Plane wave solutions. The harmonic oscillator. Angular momentum and spin. The hydrogen atom and the periodic table. The Pauli principle. Planck’s radiation law. X-ray emission and spectra. The strucure of the nucleus. Radioactive decay. Application of phenomena such as the photoelectric effect. Quantum mechanical phenomena in the natural sciences and technology, such as tunneling, scannng microscope, the Stern-Gerlach experiment, atomic nuclei, simple molecules. Insulators, conductors and semiconductors.

Del II (Laboratory exercises), 1 hp:

Two laboratory exercises with written reports.

Eligibility

Basic integral and diffential calculus, basic algebra and basic mechanics.

Recommended prerequisites

Knowledges similar to SI1100, SK1100 and SI1140, SF1604, SF1602 and SF1603 and SG1130.

Literature

Randy Harris, Modern Physics, Second edition, Pearson International Edition

Examination

  • INLA - Home Assignments, 3.0, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • LABA - Laboration, 1.0, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • PROA - Project, 2.0, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Offered by

SCI/Physics

Contact

Chong Qi (chongq@kth.se)

Examiner

Chong Qi <chongq@kth.se>

Teachers