Physics 201: Modern Physics
Fall 2008

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

Instructor - Josh Erlich
Small Hall, Room 223
Office Phone: 757-221-3763
Email: erlich@physics.wm.edu

Grader - Brian Glover, Small 220, baglov@wm.edu

Course website:  http://physics.wm.edu/~erlich/201F08/

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 the outcome of an experiment cannot be predicted with complete certainty. This course will cover the experiments and ideas behind Special Relativity, General Relativity, and Quantum Mechanics. We will also discuss some applications of these revolutionary theories, selected from the fields of Atomic, Condensed Matter, Nuclear, Particle, and Gravitational Physics.

Prerequisites:

This course assumes a background in first year physics at the level of Phys 101-102 or Phys 107-108, and calculus at the level of Math 111-112.

Course requirements and grade:

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

Notes on Complex Numbers
Principles of Quantum Mechanics

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. After speaking with the grader if you feel that a grading issue was not adequately addressed, then see me.

Problem Set 1 (ps1.ps, ps1.pdf), due Wednesday, Sept 10.
Problem Set 2 (ps2.ps, ps2.pdf), due Wednesday, Sept 17.
Problem Set 3 (ps3.ps, ps3.pdf), due Wednesday, Sept 24.
Problem Set 4 (ps4.ps, ps4.pdf), due Wednesday, Oct 1. Solutions
Problem Set 5 (ps5.ps, ps5.pdf), due Wednesday, Oct 8. Solutions
Problem Set 6 (ps6.ps, ps6.pdf), due Friday, Oct 17. Solutions
Problem Set 7 (ps7.ps, ps7.pdf), due Wednesday, Oct 22. Solutions
Problem Set 8 (ps8.ps, ps8.pdf), due Wednesday, Oct 29. Solutions
Problem Set 9 (ps9.ps, ps9.pdf), due Wednesday, Nov 5. Solutions
Problem Set 10 (ps10.ps, ps10.pdf), due Wednesday, Nov 12. Solutions
Problem Set 11 (ps11.ps, ps11.pdf), due Wednesday, Nov 19. Solutions
Problem Set 12 (ps12.ps, ps12.pdf), due Friday, Dec 5. Solutions

Exams:

There will be two Midterm Exams during the tutorial session: Friday, September 26 and Friday, October 31. If you have a scheduling conflict for either of these exams you must inform the instructor as soon as the conflict arises.

First exam last year
Final exam last year
2008 Final -- Equation Sheet

The final exam will take place Monday, December 8, 1:30-4:30pm in our usual classroom (Small 240).

Final exam solutions