Relativity and Quantum Physics Preface: Congratulations! Having survived two semesters of classical physics you have reached the most exciting part of the introductory sequence: the physics of the twentieth century. In this course you will learn something about relativity, quantum mechanics, and both classical and quantum statistical mechanics. You will also encounter many applications of these theories. Prerequisite: You should have completed one year of calculus-based physics and you should be enrolled in or have completed third-semester calculus. Text: Modern Physics, 2nd ed., by Kenneth Krane (Wiley, 1995). Buy it at the bookstore or online. (Be sure you don't get the first, 1983, edition.) NOTE: We will be beta-testers of a preliminary version of the 3rd edition, which will be supplied to enrolled students in pdf format at no charge. You will not need to buy a book at all. Other sources: It is helpful to read difficult new material from several viewpoints. Other, comparable texts include Nonclassical Physics: Beyond Newton's View by Randy Harris (Benjamin Cummins, 1999); the 3rd edition of Modern Physics by Paul Tipler and Ralph Llewelyn (W.H. Freeman, 1999); and Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 2nd ed., by John R. Taylor, Chris D. Zafiratos, and Michael A. Dubson. Other books and articles are recommended at the ends of chapters in the text. There is much useful information on the web. Other lectures: Each Monday at 4:00 p.m., from Feb 2 through May 4, the Department of Physics and Astronomy will present a free public lecture in its renowned "What Physicists Do" series. Everyone is welcome to attend these lectures in Darwin 103. You will find these lectures a valuable supplement to your course work as they will allow you to hear what is happening currently in physics and related fields. At this stage in your studies the lectures should become increasingly easy to understand. Grading: Homework 30%, four quizzes 10% each, final exam 30%. Computer use: You are encouraged to use Mathematica or similar software in doing your homework.
Office hours: My office is Darwin 300I, phone 664-2594. E-mail to joe.tenn@sonoma.edu is an excellent way to contact me any time. If you have any problems which affect your performance in this course, please contact me. Do not stop attending classes. University Policies: University policies, such as the add/drop policy, cheating and plagiarism policy, grade appeal procedures, accommodations for students with disabilities, and the diversity vision statement may be found at http://www.sonoma.edu/uaffairs/policies/studentinfo.shtml.
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