Spring 2019 - PHYS 285 D100
Introduction to Relativity and Quantum Mechanics (3)
Class Number: 1043
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
BurnabyJan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
BurnabyJan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 24, 2019
Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Bernd Stelzer
stelzer@sfu.ca
1 778 782-7731
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Prerequisites:
PHYS 255, with a minimum grade of C-.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Special relativity, including relativistic kinematics and dynamics; tests of relativity; matter waves and early quantum models; wave mechanics and its application to molecular, atomic and subatomic systems. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
Section 1: Galilean relativity
Ideas of space and time; Galilean transformation; the ether and the Michelson-Morley
experiment
Section 2: Special relativity
Einstein’s postulates; Lorentz transformation; length contraction; time dilation
simultaneity; paradoxes
Section 3: Relativistic kinematics
Velocity and acceleration; relativistic Doppler effect
Section 4: Relativistic particle dynamics
4-vectors; energy and momentum; invariant mass; dynamics; relativistic scattering
Section 5: Classical waves
Simple harmonic motion, wave equation; travelling and standing waves
Section 6: Experimental basis for Quantum Mechanics
Blackbody radiation; Photoelectric effect; electron scattering
Section 7: Bohr model: success and failure
Bohr’s hydrogen atom; quantization of angular momentum
Section 8: Matter waves
de Broglie wavelength; wave packets; probabilistic interpretation; uncertainty principle
Section 9: Wave mechanics
Schrodinger equation; properties of solutions; one-dimensional potentials
Section 10: Tunneling in 1 dimension
1-dimensional solution; applications: coulomb barrier, ammonia vibration
Section 11: Hydrogen Atom
Schrodinger equation with the Coulomb potential; hydrogen atom wave functions; spin
Section 12: Applications
Fermi energy; electrons in solids; nuclei and quarks; neutron stars
Grading
- Assignments 25%
- Midterm 20%
- Final Exam 55%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Required Text:
Modern Physics, 6th edition by Tipler & Llewellyn
*Not currently available at the Bookstore. Copy can be obtained online.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, before the end of the first week of classes.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS