Background for modern experimental physics. Relativity theory. De Broglie waves. Wave packets and the Heisenbergs uncertainty principle. Wave-particle-dualism. Internal structure of the atom and Bohr’s model Elementary quantum physics. Foundations of quantum mechanics. The Schrödinger equation applied to simple potentials and boundary conditions. Interpretation of wave functions. Plane waves. Harmonical oscillators. Angular momentum and spin. The Hydrogen atom and the table of the elements. The Pauli principle. Planck’s radiation law. X-rays and their spectra. Structure of the nuclei. Radioactive decay. The photoelectric effect, x-ray diffraction, electron diffraction and the Zeeman effect. Quantum physics applications to science and technology such as electron microscopy Stern-Gerlach’s experiment, simple molecules and the solid state. Insulators, conductors and semiconductors. Applications of modern physics in medical imaging and radiation therapy.
SH1011 Modern Physics 7.5 credits
Welcome to SH1011 Modern Physics! More information about this years course round can be found on its Canvas page (in Swedish).
Choose semester and course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.
Application
For course offering
Autumn 2024 Start 26 Aug 2024 programme students
Application code
50692
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completing the course you should be able to
- Outline the scientific foundation for modern physics according the Course Main Content
- Perform quantum mechanical calculation for simple systems
- Apply quantum mechanical principles in science and technology
- Outline the most important experimental methods in modern physics
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Basic calculus, algebra and mechanics.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
University Physics with Modern Physics by Hugh D. Young and Roger A. Freedman ISBN-10: 080532187X ISBN-13: 9780805321876
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 6.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Yes
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.