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330 331 Modern Physics I: Lecture and Lab

Jonathan Morris

Published Jan 1, 2020• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

What will we be learning?We are entering a fascinating world that, I expect, will amaze you.Enter this course with an open mind, but also question everything you learn!Since 1895 most physics discoveries have been "modern".The Newtonian physics from your previous physics courses is classed as "Classical Physics" but we're going modern into a world where Newtonian physics does not work and we end up with incredible science.We will study the quantization of multiple physical properties and through the understanding of solids.Welcome to awesome world of quantum mechanics!So get ready to delve into Modern Physics!This course series (PHYS330 & PHYS331) fulfills the requirements of a Science Perspective core class and is a required course of the Physics major(s) and counts as an elective for Physics minors.The scientific method has resulted in historically unprecedented changes in our world.In this course you will learn how science proceeds, and practice the scientific method yourself in a weekly laboratory experience.You will learn the qualities of a good hypothesis or model, how to assess its validity, the significance of a scientific theory, and the elusiveness of "proof."On completing the course, you will be better able to understand and evaluate scientific or pseudoscientific claims that have direct impacts on your personal and professional life.This course is part of the Xavier Core Curriculum, which aims to develop people of learning and reflection, integrity and achievement, in solidarity for and with others.It addresses the following core learning objectives at the introductory level:• Students recognize and cogently discuss significant questions in the humanities, arts, and the natural and social sciences.• Students find, evaluate, and logically convey information and ideas in written and oral presentations.• Students evaluate problems using quantitative methods and arguments.Xavier University is committed to the health, safety, and care of all individuals within our community.As part of our Ignatian values and in the spirit of cura personalis, Xavier University wishes to disincentivize class attendance when students may be sick.For the duration of the pandemic, students who are ill will be excused from classes.We recommend the following procedures:• Students must adhere to University health and wellness procedures for self-evaluation, follow-up, and quarantine as necessary.• Students who are in quarantine due to close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, but who are not themselves symptomatic, are expected to attend class remotely and complete course assignments.• Untruthful student claims about illness may be regarded as a violation of the Student Handbook.• If Dr. Morris, or a family member, gets sick then you will receive a Canvas message or email.

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What will we be learning?We are entering a fascinating world that, I expect, will amaze you.Enter this course with an open mind, but also question everything you learn!Since 1895 most physics discoveries have been "modern".The Newtonian physics from your previous physics courses is classed as "Classical Physics" but we're going modern into a world where Newtonian physics does not work and we end up with incredible science.We will study the quantization of multiple physical properties and through the understanding of solids.Welcome to awesome world of quantum mechanics!So get ready to delve into Modern Physics!This course series (PHYS330 & PHYS331) fulfills the requirements of a Science Perspective core class and is a required course of the Physics major(s) and counts as an elective for Physics minors.The scientific method has resulted in historically unprecedented changes in our world.In this course you will learn how science proceeds, and practice the scientific method yourself in a weekly laboratory experience.You will learn the qualities of a good hypothesis or model, how to assess its validity, the significance of a scientific theory, and the elusiveness of "proof."On completing the course, you will be better able to understand and evaluate scientific or pseudoscientific claims that have direct impacts on your personal and professional life.This course is part of the Xavier Core Curriculum, which aims to develop people of learning and reflection, integrity and achievement, in solidarity for and with others.It addresses the following core learning objectives at the introductory level:• Students recognize and cogently discuss significant questions in the humanities, arts, and the natural and social sciences.• Students find, evaluate, and logically convey information and ideas in written and oral presentations.• Students evaluate problems using quantitative methods and arguments.Xavier University is committed to the health, safety, and care of all individuals within our community.As part of our Ignatian values and in the spirit of cura personalis, Xavier University wishes to disincentivize class attendance when students may be sick.For the duration of the pandemic, students who are ill will be excused from classes.We recommend the following procedures:• Students must adhere to University health and wellness procedures for self-evaluation, follow-up, and quarantine as necessary.• Students who are in quarantine due to close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, but who are not themselves symptomatic, are expected to attend class remotely and complete course assignments.• Untruthful student claims about illness may be regarded as a violation of the Student Handbook.• If Dr. Morris, or a family member, gets sick then you will receive a Canvas message or email.
Quantum mechanics is the most successful theory of nature that we have.During this semester we will build on your understanding of quantum mechanics from PHYS 330/331 and apply quantum mechanics to atoms, molecules, and solids.We will study statistical physics, radioactivity, the atomic nucleus and possibly subatomic particles.The lecture and lab courses are separate courses with separate grades.PHYS 340 : LECTURE COURSE HOMEWORK: Homework assignments are Canvas and the deadline will be announced in class.The reason that the homework is already on Canvas is that previous students commented on the course evaluation that they wanted to see homework assignments earlier in the semester. Homework assignments must be legible, organized, and turned in on time for credit to be given. Late assignments will not be accepted unless prior arrangements are made with your professor. Only 2 questions from each homework assignment will be graded for you to earn full points with those 2 questions being chosen at random.All other questions will have the answers posted online (note that the step-by-step solutions may not be posted but you can ask questions). Students are strongly encouraged to work collaboratively on homework assignments but must turn in their own written solutions.Remember that your friends may have good ideas but may have incorrect answers so you may do best if you try it yourself. Practice questions are on Canvas -please let me know if you have a question or want to know the correct answer.I will not be providing practice question solutions. QUIZZES: Quizzes will be on Canvas (found by clicking on the Quiz button on the front page). Quizzes are worth 10 points each unless otherwise stated. Some quizzes involve typed answers and I will have to grade each typed answer individually so please don't panic if your quiz has not been graded -it'll happen.
This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Upper Division Physics Courses.]Most introductory quantum physics instructors would agree that transitioning students from classical to quantum thinking is an important learning goal, but may disagree on whether or how this can be accomplished.Although (and perhaps because) physicists have long debated the physical interpretation of quantum theory, many instructors choose to avoid emphasizing interpretive themes; or they discuss the views of scientists in their classrooms, but do not adequately attend to student interpretations.In this synthesis and extension of prior work, we demonstrate the following: (i) instructors vary in their approaches to teaching interpretive themes; (ii) different instructional approaches have differential impacts on student thinking; and (iii) when student interpretations go unattended, they often develop their own (sometimes scientifically undesirable) views.We introduce here a new modern physics curriculum that explicitly attends to student interpretations, and provide evidence-based arguments that doing so helps them to develop more consistent interpretations of quantum phenomena, more sophisticated views of uncertainty, and greater interest in quantum physics.
The perspectives of introductory classical physics students can often negatively influence how those students later interpret quantum phenomena when taking an introductory course in modern physics. A detailed exploration of student perspectives on the interpretation of quantum physics is needed, both to characterize student understanding of physics concepts, and to inform how we might teach traditional content. Our previous investigations of student perspectives on quantum physics have indicated they can be highly nuanced, and may vary both within and across contexts. In order to better understand the contextual and often seemingly contradictory stances of students on matters of interpretation, we interviewed 19 students from four introductory modern physics courses taught at the University of Colorado. We find that students have attitudes and opinions that often parallel the stances of expert physicists when arguing for their favored interpretations of quantum mechanics, allowing for more nuanced characterizations of student perspectives in terms of three key interpretive themes. We present a framework for characterizing student perspectives on quantum mechanics, and demonstrate its utility in interpreting the sometimes-contradictory nature of student responses to previous surveys. We further find that students most often vacillate in their responses when what makes intuitive sense to them is not in agreement with what they consider to be a correct response, underscoring the need to distinguish between the personal and the public perspectives of introductory modern physics students.
Modern Physics intertwines active learning pedagogy with the material typically covered in an introductory survey, from the basics of relativity and quantum mechanics through recent developments in particle physics and cosmology. The flexible approach taken by the authors allows instructors to easily incorporate as much or as little active learning into their teaching as they choose. Chapters are enhanced by 'Discovery' and 'Active Reading' exercises to guide students through key ideas before or during class, while 'ConcepTests' help check student understanding and stimulate classroom discussions. Each chapter also includes extensive assessment material, with a range of basic comprehension questions, drill and practice calculations, computer-based problems, and explorations of advanced applications. A test bank and interactive animations as well as other support for instructors and students are available online. Students are engaged by an accessible and lively writing style, thorough explanations, 'Math Interludes' which account for varying levels of skill and experience, and advanced topics to further pique their interest in physics.
Modern Physics intertwines active learning pedagogy with the material typically covered in an introductory survey, from the basics of relativity and quantum mechanics through recent developments in particle physics and cosmology. The flexible approach taken by the authors allows instructors to easily incorporate as much or as little active learning into their teaching as they choose. Chapters are enhanced by 'Discovery' and 'Active Reading' exercises to guide students through key ideas before or during class, while 'ConcepTests' help check student understanding and stimulate classroom discussions. Each chapter also includes extensive assessment material, with a range of basic comprehension questions, drill and practice calculations, computer-based problems, and explorations of advanced applications. A test bank and interactive animations as well as other support for instructors and students are available online. Students are engaged by an accessible and lively writing style, thorough explanations, 'Math Interludes' which account for varying levels of skill and experience, and advanced topics to further pique their interest in physics.