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. 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: the photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, X-ray diffraction, particle diffraction. Applications within science and technology (including) tunneling, the tunneling electron microscope, the Stern-Gerlach experiment, the atomic nucleus, the helium atom, simple molecules, solid matter. The building blocks of matter: particles and their interactions.
SH1014 Modern Physics 4.0 credits
Information per course offering
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Information for Autumn 2025 Start 27 Oct 2025 programme students
- Course location
AlbaNova
- Duration
- 27 Oct 2025 - 12 Jan 2026
- Periods
- P2 (4.0 hp)
- Pace of study
25%
- Application code
51382
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
Swedish
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
Places are not limited
- Target group
CTFYS åk2
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
- Schedule is not published
Contact
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus SH1014 (Autumn 2021–)Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completing this course a student should be able to:
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Explain the scientific basis of modern physics, as defined by the course syllabus.
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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
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Completed course in SK1104 Classical Physics or SK1115 Electromagnetism and Waves.
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- TEN1 - Exam, 4.0 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.
Other requirements for final grade
Pass the Written exam, 4,0 hp
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.