Atomic physics: Problems with Rutherford model- instability of atoms and observation of discrete atomic spectra; Bohr's quantization rule and atomic stability; hydrogen like atoms and their spectra.
Origin of quantum physics: Photoelectric effect and Compton scattering. De Broglie wavelength and matter waves; Davisson-Germer experiment. Wave-particle duality, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Estimating minimum energy of a confined particle using uncertainty principle, Two slit interference experiment with photons, atoms & particles, linear superposition principle as a consequence, Matter waves and wave amplitude, Schrodinger equation for non-relativistic particles, Momentum and Energy operators; stationary states, physical interpretation of wave function, probabilities and normalization
Elementary nuclear physics: Size and structure of atomic nucleus and its relation with atomic weight, Impossibility of an electron being in nucleus. Nature of nuclear force, NZ graph, semi-empirical mass formula and binding energy, Radioactivity decay, stability of nucleus, Law of radioactive decay, Mean life and half-life.
Special theory of Relativity: Michelson-Morle experiment, Einstein’s postulates, Lorentz transformation equations, length contraction and time dilation, relativistic addition of velocities, relativity of mass, Mass energy and momentum energy relations.
References
Modern Physics (3rd Edition), Kenneth S. Krane, Wiley (2012).
Quantum Physics: Of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei And Particles (2nd Edition), Robert Eisberg and Robert Resnick, Wiley (1985).
Concepts of Modern Physics (6th Edition), Arthur Beiser, McGraw-Hill (2002).
Modern Physics (3rd Edition), Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, and Curt A. Moyer, Cengage (2004).
The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol. III, Richard P. Feynman, Robert B. Leighton, and Matthew Sands, Addison Wesley (1971).
Quantum Physics (Berkeley Physics Course, Volume 4, 2nd Edition), Eyvind H. Wichmann, McGraw-Hill (1971).
Modern Physics (2nd Edition), Randy Harris, Pearson (2007).
Examinations
End-of-Semester Examination [PDF] (with Dr. Sahinur Reja)