Physics 201: Modern Physics
Fall 2007

Class schedule: M,W,F 10:00-10:50am, Small Hall, Room 240
Tutorial: F 1-1:50pm, Small Hall, Room 240
Office hours: T,W 3-5pm
Grader: Brian Glover, Small Hall Trailer, Room E

Instructor - Josh Erlich
Small Hall, Room 220
Office Phone: 757-221-3763
Email: erlich@physics.wm.edu

Course website:  http://physics.wm.edu/~erlich/201F07/

Course Summary:

In the 20th century the classical understanding of physical law was replaced by a new world view. The speed of light became a fundamental constant; the notions of space and time were redefined; and it became accepted that it is impossible to predict the outcome of any experiment with complete certainty. This course will cover the experiments and ideas that led to the discoveries of Special Relativity, General Relativity, and Quantum Mechanics. We will then discuss some topics in Modern Physics based on these revolutionary theories, selected from the fields of Atomic, Condensed Matter, Nuclear, Particle, and Gravitational Physics.

Course requirements and grade:

Text:  J.R. Taylor, C.D. Zafiratos and M.A. Dubson, Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Second Edition

Problem Sets:

Problem Sets will generally be due on Wednesdays, and returned the following Wednesday. Questions about problem set grading should first be addressed to the grader, Brian Glover. If you feel that after speaking with Brian a grading issue was not adequately addressed, then see me.

Problem Set 1 (ps1.ps, ps1.pdf), due Wednesday, Sept 12.
Problem Set 2 (ps2.ps, ps2.pdf), due Wednesday, Sept 19.
Problem Set 3 (ps3.ps, ps3.pdf), due Wednesday, Sept 26.
Problem Set 4 (ps4.ps, ps4.pdf), due Wednesday, Oct 3.
Problem Set 5 (ps5.ps, ps5.pdf), due Wednesday, Oct 10.
Problem Set 6 (ps6.ps, ps6.pdf), due Wednesday, Oct 24.
Problem Set 7 (ps7.ps, ps7.pdf), due Wednesday, Oct 31.
Problem Set 8 (ps8.ps, ps8.pdf), due Wednesday, Nov 7.
Problem Set 9 (ps9.ps, ps9.pdf), due Wednesday, Nov 14.
Problem Set 10 (ps10.ps), due Wednesday, Dec 5.

Exams:

There will be two in-class Midterm Exams: Friday, October 19 and Monday, November 19. If you have a scheduling conflict for either of these exams you must inform the instructor as soon as the conflict arises.

The final exam will take place Thursday, December 13, 1:30-4:30pm in our usual classroom (Small 240).