Modern Physics - Timeline of the Study in this Domain

• Introduction to Modern Physics
• Timeline of the Study in this Domain
  • 1897: Discovery of Electron by J.J. Thomson
  • 1900: Planck’s Quantum Theory
  • 1905: Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity
  • 1911: Discovery of Atomic Nucleus by Ernest Rutherford
  • 1924: de Broglie’s Wave-Particle Duality
  • 1926: Schrödinger’s Wave Equation
  • 1932: Discovery of Neutron by James Chadwick
  • 1938: Fermi’s Nuclear Reactor
  • 1945: Atomic Bomb - Dawn of the Atomic Age
  • 1954: Development of the First Nuclear Power Reactor

Introduction to Modern Physics

• Modern Physics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of the fundamental particles and their interactions.
• It emerged in the early 20th century with the discovery of the quantum nature of light and the atomic structure of matter.
• Modern Physics theories go beyond classical mechanics and electromagnetism, providing a deeper understanding of the universe.
• Modern Physics includes theories such as Quantum Mechanics, Special and General Relativity, and Nuclear Physics.

1897: Discovery of Electron by J.J. Thomson

• J.J. Thomson discovered electrons while studying Cathode Rays.
• He proposed the “Plum Pudding Model” of the atom, which suggested electrons were embedded in a positively charged sphere.

1900: Planck’s Quantum Theory

• Max Planck introduced the revolutionary idea that energy is quantized.
• He proposed that energy could only be emitted or absorbed in discrete packets called “quanta.”
• This theory laid the foundation for Quantum Mechanics.

1905: Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity

• Albert Einstein’s theory of Special Relativity introduced the concept of time dilation and the equivalence of mass and energy.
• It also gave rise to the famous equation E=mc^2, which shows the relationship between energy, mass, and the speed of light.

1911: Discovery of Atomic Nucleus by Ernest Rutherford

• Ernest Rutherford conducted the famous gold foil experiment, leading to the discovery of the atomic nucleus.
• He proposed that atoms have a small, dense, positively charged nucleus at the center, with electrons orbiting around it.

1924: de Broglie’s Wave-Particle Duality

• Louis de Broglie proposed that matter particles, such as electrons, have wave-like properties.
• This wave-particle duality concept laid the foundation for understanding the behavior of particles in Quantum Mechanics.

1926: Schrödinger’s Wave Equation

• Erwin Schrödinger developed the Schrödinger Wave Equation, a fundamental equation in Quantum Mechanics.
• This equation describes the wave function of a particle and how it evolves over time.

1932: Discovery of Neutron by James Chadwick

• James Chadwick discovered the neutron, a neutral subatomic particle in the atomic nucleus.
• This discovery helped to better understand atomic stability and nuclear reactions.

1938: Fermi’s Nuclear Reactor

• Enrico Fermi built the world’s first nuclear reactor, initiating the field of nuclear energy.
• This significant achievement opened doors to harnessing the power of nuclear reactions for practical purposes.

1945: Atomic Bomb - Dawn of the Atomic Age

• The first atomic bomb was successfully detonated during the Second World War.
• This event marked the beginning of the Atomic Age and raised awareness about the immense power and destructive capabilities of nuclear weapons.

1954: Development of the First Nuclear Power Reactor

• The world’s first nuclear power reactor was developed by the Soviet Union in 1954.
• This marked a significant milestone in the utilization of nuclear energy for generating electricity.
• Nuclear power reactors provide a reliable source of energy with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Examples of nuclear power reactors include pressurized water reactors (PWR) and boiling water reactors (BWR).
• Equation: E = mc^2, where E is the energy obtained from converting mass (m) into energy (E) using the speed of light (c).

Quantum Mechanics - Wave-Particle Duality

• Quantum Mechanics describes the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.
• The wave-particle duality suggests that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.
• Examples: The double-slit experiment, where electrons show interference patterns, revealing their wave nature.
• Equation: λ = h/p, where λ is the wavelength, h is Planck’s constant, and p is the momentum of the particle.

Quantum Mechanics - Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle

• Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle states that it is impossible to simultaneously know the exact position and momentum of a particle.
• The more accurately the position is known, the less accurately the momentum can be known, and vice versa.
• Equation: ∆x ∆p ≥ h/2π, where ∆x represents the uncertainty in position, ∆p represents the uncertainty in momentum, and h is Planck’s constant.

Quantum Mechanics - Quantum Tunneling

• Quantum Tunneling is the phenomenon where particles can pass through energy barriers that would be classically impassable.
• This occurs due to the wave-like nature of particles and their ability to exist in a superposition of states.
• Quantum tunneling is important in various fields, including electronics, where it enables the operation of transistors.
• Example: Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) allows researchers to visualize individual atoms on a surface.

Special Theory of Relativity

• The Special Theory of Relativity describes the behavior of objects moving at constant speeds relative to each other.
• It introduces concepts of time dilation, length contraction, and the invariance of the speed of light in all inertial frames.
• Equation: t’ = γ(t - vx/c^2), where t’ is the time measured in the moving frame, t is the time measured in the rest frame, v is the velocity of the moving frame, c is the speed of light, and γ is the Lorentz factor.

General Theory of Relativity

• The General Theory of Relativity describes the behavior of objects in the presence of gravitational forces.
• It introduces the concept of spacetime curvature caused by mass and energy, resulting in the bending of light and the warping of space.
• Example: Gravitational waves, which were predicted by Einstein and discovered in 2015, provide evidence for the General Theory of Relativity.

Nuclear Physics - Nuclear Fission

• Nuclear Fission is the process of splitting an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei.
• This process releases a large amount of energy and is the basis for nuclear power reactors and nuclear weapons.
• Example: The splitting of a uranium-235 nucleus into two smaller nuclei and the release of neutrons and energy.

Nuclear Physics - Nuclear Fusion

• Nuclear Fusion is the process of combining two or more atomic nuclei to form a larger nucleus.
• This process releases a tremendous amount of energy and powers the Sun and other stars.
• Example: The fusion of hydrogen nuclei to form helium in the Sun’s core, releasing energy in the process.

Nuclear Physics - Radioactive Decay

• Radioactive Decay is the spontaneous disintegration of an atomic nucleus, emitting particles or electromagnetic radiation.
• It is a random process that cannot be influenced by external factors.
• Example: The decay of a radioactive isotope, such as uranium-238, into thorium-234 through a series of alpha and beta decays.

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Modern Physics - Timeline of the Study in this Domain

• Introduction to Modern Physics

• Timeline of the Study in this Domain

• 1897: Discovery of Electron by J.J. Thomson

  • Cathode ray experiments
  • Plum pudding model of the atom

• 1900: Planck’s Quantum Theory

  • Energy quantization
  • Introduction of quanta

• 1905: Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity

  • Time dilation
  • Mass-energy equivalence

• 1911: Discovery of Atomic Nucleus by Ernest Rutherford

  • Gold foil experiment
  • Nuclear model of the atom

• 1924: de Broglie’s Wave-Particle Duality

  • Wave-like behavior of matter particles
  • Dual nature of particles

• 1926: Schrödinger’s Wave Equation

  • Mathematics of Quantum Mechanics
  • Describes behavior of quantum particles

• 1932: Discovery of Neutron by James Chadwick

  • Neutral subatomic particle
  • Importance in atomic stability

• 1938: Fermi’s Nuclear Reactor

  • First controlled nuclear chain reaction
  • Utilization of nuclear energy

• 1945: Atomic Bomb - Dawn of the Atomic Age

  • Invention and use of atomic bombs
  • Impact on science and society

• 1954: Development of the First Nuclear Power Reactor

  • Utilization of nuclear energy for electricity generation
  • Advancements in nuclear technology

`` Note: Slide 31 and beyond have been excluded to keep within the 30-slide limit.