PHYSICS 3
cod. 1000986

Academic year 2015/16
2° year of course - Second semester
Professor
Academic discipline
Fisica sperimentale (FIS/01)
Field
Discipline fisiche
Type of training activity
Basic
78 hours
of face-to-face activities
9 credits
hub: PARMA
course unit
in - - -

Learning objectives

The goal is to introduce the problems and phenomena leading to the fall of classical physics and give basic problem solving techniques and a flavour for how modern physics developed.
The lectures and homework will be sufficient to give the student a basic technical grasp of special relativity and quantum theory.

Prerequisites

A solid understanding of calculus and basic familiarity with linear algebra; calculus-based courses on mechanics and electromagnetims.

Course unit content

The fall of classical physics. Special relativity and covariant formulation of electromagnetism. Old quantum mechanics.

Full programme

The special theory of relativity, Galilean and Lorentz transformation.
Relativistic kinematics; Covariant formulation of Maxwell’s equations, radiation from accelerated particles.
Introduction to quantum physics: the crisis of classical physics. The quantum properties of radiation and the wave properties of matter: photoelectric effect, Black body radiation, the Compton effect, Photon, DeBoglie's hypothesis, Uncertainty principles, wave packet basics properties of atoms, Thomson model, the Rutherford model, Bohr's model.

Bibliography

Gasperini M., Manuale di Relatività ristretta, Springer
Rindler W. Introduction to special relativity, Oxford 2nd ed.
Jackson J.D., Classical Electrodynamics, Wiley – (Zanichelli ed. italiana)
Resnick R., Halliday D., Basic concepts in relativity and early quantum theory, Wiley
Eisber R., Resnick R., Quantum physics, cap. 1-6 Wiley

Teaching methods

Oral lessons, homework. Problem solving is an important part of the course: during lectures sample problems will be solved with student active participation.

Assessment methods and criteria

homeworks, midterm and final written exam and final oral examination

Other information

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