58394 - Introduction to Modern Physics

Learning outcomes

To provide the student with an introduction to the basic phenomena of the transition period from Classic Physics to Quantum Physics, together with the description of a number of crucial experiments which opened the way to Modern Physics.

Course contents

– Avogadro principle and constant; atomic number, atomic mass and dimensions; brownian motion; mean free path; elements of kinetic theory of gases; specific heat. – Faraday law on electrolysis; discovery of the electron and measurement of the elementary charge; conduction of electricity through gases and gas discharges. – Mass spectrometers and spectrographs; isotopes. – Scattering by a central force; Rutherford theory and discovery of the atomic nucleus; cross section. – Electromagnetic radiation; accelerated charges as sources of radiation; speed of light. – Photoelectric effect. – Discovery and production of X rays; scattering, refraction, absorption and diffusion of X rays; Compton effect. – Thermal radiation and black body radiation; Stefan-Boltzmann law; Wien, Rayleigh-Jeans and Planck formulae for radiation spectrum; the birth of quantum theory. – Introduction to matter waves and De Broglie wavelength. – A few other historic experiments in favour of quantum theory: esperiment of Michelson-Morley, esperiment of Frank-Hertz, esperiment of Stern-Gerlach.

Readings/Bibliography

– H. Semat, Introduction to Atomic and Nuclear Physics (Rinehart & Co., New York) – A.P. French, Principles of Modern Physics (John Wiley & Sons, London-Sidney) – F.K. Richtmyer, E.H. Kennard, T. Lauritsen, Introduction to Modern Physics (McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York-Toronto-London)

Teaching methods

Lectures

Assessment methods

Oral examination

Teaching tools

Slide projector and video projector

Office hours

See the website of Luisa Cifarelli