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

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.

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