SK180N Introductory Modern Physics 9.0 credits

This e-course covers the theory of relativity, early and modern quantum mechanics, atomic, molecular, laser, solid state, nuclear, particle, astrophysics, and cosmology. The course ends with some of the latest on Nobel Prize in Physics.
Choose semester and course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see information from the correct course syllabus and course offering.
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
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. The latest Nobel Price.
Intended 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 disposition
Internetcourse examined over the Internet
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
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Completed upper secondary education including documented proficiency in Swedish corresponding to Swedish 3/Swedish B and English corresponding to English 6/English A . Specific requirements: knowledge of Mathematics corresponding to Mathematics 3C/D and Physics corresponding to Physics 2/B is required.
Recommended prerequisites
Mathematical knowledge corresponding to basic courses in algebra and analysis (derivates, integrals and differential equations)
Equipment
Literature
"University Physics" by Young and Freedman, tillgänglig som e-bok via KTH Bibliotek.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- TEN2 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- TEN3 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Exams on the internet
Other requirements for final grade
Three written examinations.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
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.
Further information
Course web
Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.
Course web SK180NOffered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
SK184N Environmental Physics
Contact
Supplementary information
Internet course. Can be studied any time.