|
PHYS 311 -- Modern Physics -- Fall 2008 |
Updated 2008 Oct 04 Sun |
Location: MP-301
Time: MWF 10:40-11:30am
Prerequisites: PHYS 309 -- Intro.
Modern Physics MP-301
Text: Modern Physics by
Kenneth Krane, 2nd edition
Class web page: http://www.boisestate.edu/physics/hanna/phys311
Instructor: Dr. Hanna
channa@boisestate.edu
(208)426-4812 MP-423
Office Hours: MW 3:40-4:30pm, or
by appointment
|
Week |
Mon date |
Topics |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part 1: Relativity (Exam 1 over Chapter 2 and Sections
15.1-15.3 on Wed Sep 24) |
|
|
1. |
8/25 |
Classical relativity; Einstein’s postulates; Relative length H1 due 9/3: 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 |
|
2. |
9/1 |
(Labor
Day Holiday); Adding velocities; Doppler and Lorentz |
|
3. |
9/8 |
Simultaneity
and twin paradox; Momentum; Energy |
|
4. |
9/15 |
Collisions; General Relativity 1; General Relativity 2 |
|
5. |
9/22 |
Review Part 1; EXAM 1 (Wed Sep
24); E.M. & Relativity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part 2: Nuclear Physics (Exam 2 over Chapters 12 and 13
on Wed Oct 29) |
|
|
6. |
9/29 |
Atomic
nuclei; Nuclear binding energy; Nuclear force |
|
7. |
10/6 |
Radioactivity; Conservation laws and alpha decay; Beta and gamma decay |
|
8. |
10/13 |
Natural
radioactivity; Types of nuclear reactions; Radioisotope production |
|
9. |
10/20 |
Low-energy reaction kinematics;
Fission; Fusion |
|
10. |
10/27 |
Review of Part 2; EXAM 2 (Wed
Oct 29); Forces and particles |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part 3: Particles, Stars, & Cosmology (Final Exam
on Wed Dec 17) |
|
|
11. |
11/3 |
Conservation Laws; Particle
decay; Energetics of decay |
|
12. |
11/10 |
Energetics
of reactions; The Standard Model; Stellar Evolution H10 due 11/17: 14.18, 14.24, 15.8, 15.10, 15.12 |
|
13. |
11/17 |
Electron
degeneracy; White Dwarves; Neutron stars |
|
14. |
12/1 |
Black
holes; Expansion and Background Radiation; Cosmology |
|
15. |
12/8 |
Big Bang; Formation of Matter;
Future of the Universe |
|
16. |
12/11 |
FINAL EXAM (Wed Dec 17, 10:30am-12:30pm, MP-301) |
GOALS: To acquaint students with the key concepts of special relativity
and subatomic physics, and to apply these concepts to describe the
characteristics of atomic nuclei, elementary particles, and selected
astrophysical phenomena. Topics include introductions to Einstein’s spacetime, the equivalence of mass and energy, radioactive
decay, nuclear fission and fusion, antimatter, the Standard Model of elementary
particles, stellar corpses, and cosmology. The course objectives will be
accomplished through lecture and discussion of selected topics in class,
through group exercises, and by students working through the assigned parts of
text, including all assigned homework problems. Assessment will come from the
tests (which will be based on the assigned parts of the text, the assigned
homework problems, and the lectures) and the assigned homework.
SYLLABUS: The syllabus describes the intended
progression of the course. The syllabus and homework assignments will be
revised as needed. Students should
attend class lectures and check http://www.boisestate.edu/physics/hanna/phys311/
frequently for updates to the syllabus.
EXAMS: 75% of your grade is based on the exams. Exams will be
based on homework problems, worked examples in the text, and lectures. ALL EXAMS WILL BE COUNTED, AND NO MAKE-UP
EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN. There will be
three exams, including the final exam, each worth 25%. Only simple scientific calculators allowed
during exams: no calculators that are capable of graphing, integration,
differentiation, or symbolic algebra are allowed. You may bring one 8.5" by 11" sheet of formulas for each one-hour
exam, along with your formula sheets from your previous PHYS 309 exams. All
formula sheets must be labeled at the top by exam number, be signed and handwritten by you on both sides, and
be turned in with your exam. Your formula sheet should contain only numbered formulas from those
sections of the chapters that are covered on the exam, and you must write the
textbook equation number next to each formula. No other formulae, comments,
drawings, or other information are allowed on the formula sheet. It is your
responsibility to know the meaning of every symbol on your formula sheet, and
to understand the meaning, applicability, and use of every equation you include
on your formula sheet.
HOMEWORK: 25% of your grade is based on the homework. Homework
assignments and their due dates are listed on the syllabus that is posted on
the course website, which should be checked frequently for changes. All homework assignments listed on the course
syllabus refer to homework problems, not
to homework questions. Hand in the homework you have completed on the due date,
at the beginning of class. NO LATE
HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. Homework problems will form the basis for many
of the exam problems. Look over your graded homework carefully and make sure
you can work and understand every assigned homework problem. You are strongly
encouraged to talk to the instructor about homework problems that you do not
understand.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: Although you are encouraged to discuss the class
lectures, readings, and assignments with your classmates, all the work that you
turn in must be your own. NO CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM (PRESENTING OTHER
PEOPLE'S WORK AS IF IT WERE YOUR OWN) WILL BE TOLERATED, INCLUDING ANY USE OF
HOMEWORK SOLUTIONS FOUND ON THE INTERNET OR ELSEWHERE. If you make use of
sources besides the class lectures or textbooks, you must provide explicit
written references to the sources you use.
Failure to follow these rules of academic honesty, or any others listed
in the Student
Code of Conduct, could have drastic consequences, including (but not
limited to) ejection from the course with a failing grade.
GRADING: A- to A+ = 90 - 100, B- to B+ = 75 - 90, C- to C+ = 60 - 75, D- to D+ = 45 - 60