Modern Physics - General Introduction
Definition of modern physics
Importance of modern physics in the 21st century
Overview of the topics covered in this module
Introduction to quantum mechanics
Introduction to relativity theory
Quantum Mechanics - Introduction
Historical background of quantum mechanics
Dual nature of matter and radiation
Wave-particle duality
Uncertainty principle
Electron diffraction experiments
Quantum Mechanics - Particle-Wave Duality
Concept of a particle
Concept of a wave
De Broglie hypothesis
Example: Electrons as both particles and waves
Applications of particle-wave duality
Quantum Mechanics - Wave Function
Definition of wave function
Probability interpretation of wave function
Normalization condition of wave function
Time-independent and time-dependent wave functions
Example: Particle in a box
Quantum Mechanics - Schrödinger Equation
Derivation of the time-independent Schrödinger equation
Interpretation of wave function solutions
Eigenfunctions and Eigenvalues
Particle in a box: Solving the Schrödinger equation
Example: Potential barrier
Relativity Theory - Introduction
Historical background of relativity theory
Problems with classical mechanics
Einstein’s postulates of special relativity
Effects of relativity theory at high speeds
Time dilation and length contraction
Relativity Theory - Lorentz Transformations
Derivation of Lorentz transformations
Time dilation equation
Length contraction equation
Relativistic addition of velocities
Example: Twin paradox
Relativity Theory - Mass-Energy Equivalence
Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence equation
Importance of the speed of light in the equation
Conversion between mass and energy
Units of energy and mass
Example: Calculating the energy released by nuclear reactions
Relativity Theory - Space-Time Diagrams
Introduction to space-time diagrams
Light cones and causality
World lines of objects undergoing different motions
Time-like, light-like, and space-like intervals
Example: Space-time diagram for a rocket accelerating in space
Conclusion
Recap of the topics covered in this module
Importance of understanding modern physics
Further applications of modern physics in technology and society
Importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in physics
Q&A session
Modern Physics - General Introduction - Outline of this module (part 1)
Definition of modern physics
Importance of modern physics in the 21st century
Overview of the topics covered in this module
Introduction to quantum mechanics
Introduction to relativity theory
Quantum Mechanics - Introduction
Historical background of quantum mechanics
Dual nature of matter and radiation
Wave-particle duality
Uncertainty principle
Electron diffraction experiments
Quantum Mechanics - Particle-Wave Duality
Concept of a particle
Concept of a wave
De Broglie hypothesis
Example: Electrons as both particles and waves
Applications of particle-wave duality
Quantum Mechanics - Wave Function
Definition of wave function
Probability interpretation of wave function
Normalization condition of wave function
Time-independent and time-dependent wave functions
Example: Particle in a box
Quantum Mechanics - Schrödinger Equation
Derivation of the time-independent Schrödinger equation
Interpretation of wave function solutions
Eigenfunctions and Eigenvalues
Particle in a box: Solving the Schrödinger equation
Example: Potential barrier
Relativity Theory - Introduction
Historical background of relativity theory
Problems with classical mechanics
Einstein’s postulates of special relativity
Effects of relativity theory at high speeds
Time dilation and length contraction
Relativity Theory - Lorentz Transformations
Derivation of Lorentz transformations
Time dilation equation
Length contraction equation
Relativistic addition of velocities
Example: Twin paradox
Relativity Theory - Mass-Energy Equivalence
Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence equation
Importance of the speed of light in the equation
Conversion between mass and energy
Units of energy and mass
Example: Calculating the energy released by nuclear reactions
Relativity Theory - Space-Time Diagrams
Introduction to space-time diagrams
Light cones and causality
World lines of objects undergoing different motions
Time-like, light-like, and space-like intervals
Example: Space-time diagram for a rocket accelerating in space
Conclusion
Recap of the topics covered in this module
Importance of understanding modern physics
Further applications of modern physics in technology and society
Importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in physics
Q&A session
Quantum Mechanics - Wave-Particle Duality
Dual nature of matter and radiation
Experiment: Young’s double-slit experiment
Interference and diffraction patterns
Probability density and wave function
Example: Electron interference experiment
Quantum Mechanics - Uncertainty Principle
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle
Relationship between position and momentum uncertainties
Application of uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics
Example: Uncertainty principle in measuring energy and time
Significance of uncertainty principle in technology
Quantum Mechanics - Quantum Tunneling
Definition and explanation of quantum tunneling
Tunneling through potential barriers and barriers
Tunneling probability and tunneling time
Example: Tunneling in scanning tunneling microscopy
Applications of quantum tunneling in technology
Quantum Mechanics - Quantum Harmonic Oscillator
Introduction to the quantum harmonic oscillator
Energy levels and wave functions of the harmonic oscillator
Zero-point energy and ground state fluctuations
Example: Vibrational modes of molecules
Connection between quantum harmonic oscillator and classical oscillator
Quantum Mechanics - Hydrogen Atom
Formation of the hydrogen atom
Bohr’s model of the hydrogen atom
Energy levels and transitions in the hydrogen atom
Quantum numbers and wave functions of the hydrogen atom
Example: Spectral lines in the hydrogen atom
Relativity Theory - General Theory of Relativity
Introduction to the general theory of relativity
Curvature of spacetime and gravity
Einstein’s field equations
Gravitational redshift and time dilation
Example: GPS and relativistic corrections
Relativity Theory - Black Holes
Definition and characteristics of black holes
Formation of black holes
Singularity and event horizon
Hawking radiation and black hole thermodynamics
Example: Supermassive black holes in galactic centers
Relativity Theory - Cosmology
Introduction to cosmology
Expanding universe and the Big Bang theory
Cosmic microwave background radiation
Inflationary cosmology
Example: Hubble’s law and the age of the universe
Relativity Theory - Time Travel
Time travel concepts in relativity theory
Causality violations and paradoxes
Tipler cylinders and wormholes
Time travel theories and their limitations
Example: The grandfather paradox
Conclusion
Review of the topics covered in this module
Importance of modern physics in understanding the universe
Relevance of quantum mechanics and relativity in technology and research
Significance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in physics
Q&A session