PHYS 208 - Aspects of Modern Physics

3 units (fi 6)(EITHER, 3-0-0)

Experimental evidence for limitations of classical physics; Einstein's special theory of relativity; length contraction; time dilation; twin paradox; equivalence of mass and energy; relativistic mass and momentum; the photo-electric effect, the Compton effect, X-ray production and electron diffraction; a discussion of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and the Schrödinger equation including applications of one dimensional potential wells and barriers; tunnelling; the simple harmonic oscillator; atomic physics; hydrogen atom; periodic table. Prerequisites: one of PHYS 124, PHYS 144, or EN PH 131, and one of PHYS 126, PHYS 146, 181, or PHYS 130; MATH 114 or 134 or 144 or 154. Note: This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in PHYS 271.