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 Oliver Lomax |
Semester | Spring Semester |
Academic Year | 2014/5 |
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).
Background Reading and Resource List
Not applicable.