| 12/21/2024 7:11:45 AM |
| Changed Course |
| CATALOG INFORMATION
|
| Discipline and Nbr:
PHYS 43 | Title:
MODERN PHYSICS |
|
| Full Title:
Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers |
| Last Reviewed:1/23/2023 |
| Units | Course Hours per Week | | Nbr of Weeks | Course Hours Total |
| Maximum | 3.00 | Lecture Scheduled | 3.00 | 17.5 max. | Lecture Scheduled | 52.50 |
| Minimum | 3.00 | Lab Scheduled | 0 | 6 min. | Lab Scheduled | 0 |
| | Contact DHR | 0 | | Contact DHR | 0 |
| | Contact Total | 3.00 | | Contact Total | 52.50 |
| |
| | Non-contact DHR | 0 | | Non-contact DHR Total | 0 |
| | Total Out of Class Hours: 105.00 | Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 | |
Title 5 Category:
AA Degree Applicable
Grading:
Grade Only
Repeatability:
00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As:
Formerly:
PHYS 4D
Catalog Description:
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This is a modern physics course intended for scientists and engineers and includes special relativity, atomic theory, quantum physics, and nuclear processes.
Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Course Completion of PHYS 41 and PHYS 42; AND Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in MATH 2
Recommended Preparation:
Limits on Enrollment:
Schedule of Classes Information
Description:
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This is a modern physics course intended for scientists and engineers and includes special relativity, atomic theory, quantum physics, and nuclear processes.
(Grade Only)
Prerequisites:Course Completion of PHYS 41 and PHYS 42; AND Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in MATH 2
Recommended:
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
| Associate Degree: | Effective: | | Inactive: | |
| Area: | | |
| |
| CSU GE: | Transfer Area | | Effective: | Inactive: |
| | B1 | Physical Science | Spring 1984 | |
| |
| IGETC: | Transfer Area | | Effective: | Inactive: |
| |
| CSU Transfer: | Transferable | Effective: | Spring 1984 | Inactive: | |
| |
| UC Transfer: | Transferable | Effective: | Spring 1984 | Inactive: | |
| |
| C-ID: |
| CID Descriptor: PHYS 200S | Calculus-Based Physics for Scientists and Engineers: ABC | SRJC Equivalent Course(s): PHYS40 AND PHYS41 AND PHYS42 AND PHYS43 |
Certificate/Major Applicable:
Major Applicable Course
COURSE CONTENT
Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1. Use laws of physics to solve problems related to special relativity, atomic and quantum
theory, and nuclear processes.
2. Describe the historical development of modern physics.
3. Explain how theories of modern physics resolved the shortcomings in classical physics.
Objectives:
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During the course students will:
1. State the postulates of Einstein's theory of Special Relativity and solve problems involving
space-time transformations.
2. Describe the historical development of quantum theory and solve problems involving black
body radiation, photoelectric effect and Compton scattering.
3. Explain the Bohr model and reproduce the derivation of the Rydberg formula for the spectral
emission lines of atomic hydrogen.
4. Describe the shell and subshell structure of orbital electrons relating this structure to the
periodic table.
5. Explain and solve problems regarding wave-particle duality for both photons and electrons.
6. Derive and solve problems using the Heisenberg principle.
7. Solve problems using the one-dimensional nonrelativistic Schroedinger wave equation to
determine probabilities and expectation values of physically measurable quantities.
8. Write radioactive decay equations and solve problems involving half-lives and Q values.
9. Explain and solve problems involving cross sections in nuclear reactions.
10. Write equations for nuclear interactions and calculate threshold energies and Q values.
11. Sketch and describe the significance of the curve of binding energy per nucleon versus mass
number.
12. Describe the components of and processes occurring in fission and fusion nuclear reactors
and bombs.
13. List the fundamental particles and interactions included in the Standard Model of physics.
Topics and Scope
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I. Special Relativity
A. Transformation of space and time coordinates
B. Length contraction and time dilation
C. Relativistic momentum and energy
D. Relativistic addition of velocities
II. Early Quantum Physics
A. Black body radiation and Max Planck
B. The photoelectric effect and the photon
C. Compton scattering
III. The Bohr Model of the Atom
A. Quantization of angular momentum
B. Energy levels and spectra
C. The periodic table and electron shells and subshells
IV. Early Wave Mechanics
A. De Broglie hypothesis and electron diffraction
B. Heisenberg uncertainty principle
C. Particle-wave duality
V. The Schroedinger Wave Equation
A. Solution of infinite square well potential & hydrogen atom.
B. Probability and expectation values (square well, quantum oscillator, hydrogen atom)
VI. Nuclear Processes
A. Nuclear structure, binding energy
B. Radioactive decay: half-life, decay modes, Q values, cross-sections
C. Fission nuclear reactors, fission products
D. Fusion reactions: fusion reactors
VII. Elementary Particles
A. Accelerators and detectors
B. The Standard Model - leptons, quarks, mesons and baryons
VIII. Other topics as time allows (condensed matter physics introduction, lasers, superconductivity,
cosmology, general relativity, etc.)
Assignments:
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1. Homework problem sets (8-15)
2. Quizzes (5-15)
3. Mid-term exams (2-4)
4. Final exam
5. Special project (optional) 15-20 minute oral presentation which may include a written report
Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
| Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing. | Writing
0 - 0% |
| None | |
| This is a degree applicable course but assessment tools based on writing are not included because problem solving assessments are more appropriate for this course. |
|
| Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills. | Problem Solving
15 - 25% |
| Homework problem sets | |
| Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams. | Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0% |
| None | |
| Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams. | Exams
75 - 85% |
| Quizzes, midterms, final exam | |
| Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category
0 - 10% |
| Special project may include writing | |
Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume 5. 9th ed. Serway, Raymond and Jewett, John. Thomson. 2013 (classic)
Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers. 4th ed. Thornton, Stephen and Rex, Andrew. Cengage Learning. 2013 (classic)
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