Jordan University of Science and Technology

Faculty of Science

Department of Applied Physics

Second Semester 2007-2008

Course Information
Course Title / Concept of Modern Physics
Course Number / Phys 251
Prerequisites / Phys 201 or simultaneous
Course Website
Instructor / Dr. Ahmad Alsaad
Office Location / PH4 Level -1
Office Phone / 23504
Office Hours / Sun, Tues: 10-11 Mon, Wed: 10-11, 2-3
E-mail /
Teaching Assistant
Course Description
This course covers the following topics: Principles of special relativity, The particle's nature of wave, The wave properties of particles, The basics of atomic structure and spectroscopy, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. Solving Schrödinger's Equation to find Eigen functions and Eigen values (Eigen-Value Problem).
Text Book
Title / Concepts of Modern Physics
Author(s) / Arhur Beiser
Publisher / Saunders College Publishing
Year / 1995
Edition / 5th Edition
Book Website
References / 1.  Modern Physics By E. Anderson
2.  Modern Physics By Kane
3.  Quantum Physics By Gasiorwicz
Assessment Policy
Assessment Type / Expected Due Date / Weight
First Exam / Tu 25/3/2008 / 25%
Second Exam / Tu 29/4/2008 / 25%
Final Exam / 40%
Assignments / Quizzes + Homework / 10%
Course Objectives / Weights
1.  To present clear and valid treatments of properties of almost all of the important quantum systems. / 20%
2.  To acquaint students with the fact that all motions are relative. / 10%
3.  To introduce the particle properties of waves / 10%
4.  To develop the concept of wave properties of particles / 20%
5.  To introduce the students with the basic principles of atomic structure and nuclear motion / 20%
6.  To acquaint students with elementary quantum theory and the smooth transition to quantum mechanics from the principles of classical mechanics. / 20%
Related Objective(s) / Reference(s)
1- To introduce the quantum theory of Hydrogen atom / Chapter 6
2- Students should be able to solve Physical problems within the framework of quantum theory / Chapter 6+7
3-Student should be able relate Statistical mechanics with the quantum theory / Chapter 9
4- To learn new techniques in dealing with simple quantum systems and to be introduced to solid state physics / Chapter 6+7+9+10
Useful Resources
Course Content
Week / Topics / Chapter in Text (handouts)
1+2+3 / Relativity
Special relativity, Time dilation, Length contraction, Twin paradox, Electricity & Magnetism, Relativity & Mass, massless particles. The Lorentz Transformation. / Chapter 1
4+5+6 / Particle Properties Of Waves
Electromagnetic waves, Blackbody Radiations, Photoelectric effect.
X-Rays, X-Ray Diffraction. Compton Effect, Pair Production. / Chapter 2
7+8 / Wave Properties Of Particles
De Brogglie Waves, Light Waves, Phase &Group velocities,
Particle Diffraction. Particle in a Box, Uncertainty Principle, Applications. / Chapter 3
9+10+11 / Atomic Structure
The Nuclear Atom, Electron Orbits, Atomic Spectra, The Bohr Atom. Energy Levels and Spectra, Correspondence Principle, Nuclear Motion, Atomic Excitation, The Laser. Rutherford Scattering. / Chapter 4
12+13+14 / Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics, The Wave Equation, Schrödinger's Equation: Time-Dependant Form. Expectation Values, Schrödinger's Equation, Steady State Form. Particle in a Box, Finite Potential Well, Tunnel Effect, Harmonic Oscillator, Operators, Eigen Functions, Eigenvalues. / Chapter 5
Additional Notes
Assignments / Should do it independently from others
Exams
Cheating / University rules and regulations will be applied strictly
Attendance / University rules and regulations will be applied strictly
Workload
Graded Exams
Participation
Laboratory
Projects / To be assigned to the students as time goes in introducing different
concepts.

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