PX0201: Foundations of Modern Physics

School Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy
Department Code PHYSX
Module Code PX0201
External Subject Code 100425
Number of Credits 10
Level L3
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr David Westwood
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

To provide an introduction to waves, diffraction and interference.

To introduce the experimental evidence that lead to the development of modern physics.

To introduce the Bohr model of single electron atoms and its use to understand atomic spectra.

To provide a basic introduction to wave-particle duality and the Schrödinger equation.

To discuss the basic structure of the nucleus and radioactive decay.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

Describe the basic wave properties and explain diffraction and interference patterns (Young’s slits).

Describe and discuss the significance of crucial experiments that lead to the development of modern physics, including blackbody radiation, measurement of the charge and e/m ratio for electrons, the photoelectric effect and absorption and emission spectra.

Give an account of the Bohr theory of single-electron atoms and use it to describe spectral series.

Explain the concepts of wave-particle duality and its consequences, including a brief discussion of the Schrödinger equation and its physical interpretation.

Discuss the structure of the nucleus and describe radioactive decay processes.

Recall descriptive elements of the module and solve unseen numerical and algebraic problems.

How the module will be delivered

Teaching and feedback methods: Lectures 22 x 1 hr, Examples classes 11 x 1 hr, marked Exercises.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Problem solving. Investigative skills. Mathematics. Analytical skills.

How the module will be assessed

Assessment: Examination 90%. Coursework 10%. [Examination duration: 2 hours]

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 90 Foundations Of Modern Physics 2
Written Assessment 10 Coursework N/A

Syllabus content

Waves: Waves and simple harmonic motion, longitudinal and transverse waves, electromagnetic waves.

Principle of superposition, constructive and destructive interference, diffraction, Young’s double slit and single slit patterns.

Milestones in Modern Physics: Crucial experiments and their interpretation: Blackbody radiation, the discovery of the electron, measurement of the electronic charge (Millikan oil-drop experiment), e/m for electrons, photoelectric effect and emission and absorption spectra.

Bohr Model: Bohr model of single-electron atoms and its use to describe the spectral series for hydrogen.

Wave-particle duality: The de Broglie wavelength of matter, a brief introduction to the Schrödinger wave equation, the interpretation of the wavefunction, application to one-dimensional particle in a box.

The Nuclear Atom: Protons and neutrons in a nucleus, isotopes, atomic number and mass, mass
spectrometer, binding energies.

Radioactivity: a and b particles and g radiation, decay rates, C14 dating.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Advanced Physics, T Duncan, 4th Edition (John Murray).

University Physics (with Modern Physics), H D Young and R A Freedman, 12th Edition (Addison Wesley).


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