PHYS 3650 - Modern Physics
Course Schedule, Fall 2009

 



The course schedule for PHYS 3650, Modern Physics, is provided in the table below. Text references are to Walker, Physics, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall, 2007.

Lesson Date Topic/Exam Text Chapter
1 Oct 12 Introduction and Review of Classical Physics I  
2 Oct 14 Relativity I

Relativity II

29.1

29.2 - 29.3

3 Oct 16 Relativity III

Relativity IV

29.4 - 29.5

29.6

4 Oct 19 Relativity V

Relativity Problem Solving

29.7 - 29.8

29

5 Oct 21 Blackbody Radiation

Photons and the Photoelectric Effect I

30.1 

30.2

6 Oct 23 Photons and the Photoelectric Effect II

X Rays and The Compton Effect

30.2 

30.3 - 30.4 

7 Oct 26 Waves and Particles

Review for Exam I

30.5 - 30.6

29 - 30

8 Oct 28 Examination I 29 - 30
8 Oct 28 Models of the Atom and Atomic Spectra I 31.1 - 31.2
9 Oct 30 Models of the Atom and Atomic Spectra II

Bohr Model I

31.1 - 31.2

31.3

10 Nov 2 Bohr Model II

Quantum Hydrogen I

31.4

31.5

11 Nov  4 Quantum Hydrogen II

Many Electron Atoms I

31.5

31.6

  Nov 6 Last day to drop without academic consequences  
12 Nov 6 Many Electron Atoms II

X rays

31.6

31.7

13 Nov 9 Lasers

Atomic Physics Problem Solving

31.7

31

14 Nov 11 Review for Exam II 31
14 Nov 11 Examination II 31
15 Nov 13 Nuclear Properties

Radioactivity

32.1

32.2

16 Nov 16 Radioactive Decay Processes I

Radioactive Decay Processes II

32.2

32.2

17 Nov 18 Natural Radioactivity and Radioactive Dating

Radioactive Dating Problem Solving

32.3 

32.3

18 Nov 20 Interactions of Radiation with Matter and Nuclear Reactions I

Interactions of Radiation with Matter and Nuclear Reactions II

32.4 - 32.6

32.4 - 32.6

19 Nov 23 Review for Exam III 32
19 Nov 23 Examination III 32
20 Nov 30 Radiobiology

Health Physics and Nuclear Fission

32.7

32.7

21 Dec 2 Health Physics Problem Solving

Nuclear Reactors

32.7

class notes

22 Dec 4 Elementary Particles

Course Summary and Review

32.8 

29-32

  TBA Final Examination
29 - 32