Course Outline for Physics 7D
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Modern Physics

Effective: Fall 2024
SLO Rev:
Catalog Description:

PHYS 7D - Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Modern Physics

3.00 Units

Introduction to relativity and modern physics. Physics 7D is the last course in the sequence designed for engineering and science majors. Key concepts include special and general relativity, introduction to quantum mechanics, Schroedinger Equation, Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, and Particle Physics, Condensed-matter physics, and Cosmology. Preferably, students will need to have completed Physics 7ABC to enroll, but they may take Physics 7B or 7C concurrently. May not receive credit if PHYS 5 has been completed successfully.
Prerequisite: PHYS 7B (May be taken concurrently) and PHYS 7C (May be taken concurrently)
1902.00 - Physics, General
Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Laboratory 1.00 54.00 0.00 54.00
Total 3.00 90.00 72.00 162.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Apply basic concepts of quantum mechanics to analyze basic physical setups, including a particle in a box and simple atomic models;



  2. Analyze particle interactions (including absorption, emission, and scattering), using the concept of wave-particle duality;
  3. Analyze interactions of fundamental particles in the early universe using conservation laws and quantum theory;
  4. Analyze situations involving semiconductors, radioactive decay, and nuclear fusion using quantum mechanical principles;
  5. Analyze real-world experimental data, including appropriate use of units and significant figures;
  6. Operate standard laboratory equipment and analysis tools, including digital data acquisition systems, spreadsheet programs, and plotting programs;
  7. Design, perform, analyze, and assess the effectiveness of simple experiments to demonstrate physical phenomena;
  8. Relate the results of experimental data to the physical concepts discussed in the lecture portion of the class.
Course Content:

Course Content (Lecture):

  1. Relativity
    1. The Principle of Galilean Relativity
    2. The Michelson-Morley Experiment
    3. Einstein’s Principle of Relativity
    4. Consequences of the Special Theory of Relativity
    5. The Lorentz Transformation Equations
    6. Relativistic Linear Momentum and the Relativistic Form of Newton’s Laws
    7. Relativistic Energy
    8. Equivalence of Mass and Energy
    9. Relativity and Electromagnetism
    10. General Relativity
  2. Introduction to Quantum Physics
    1. Blackbody Radiation and Planck’s Hypothesis
    2. The Photoelectric Effect
    3. The Compton Effect
    4. Atomic Spectra
    5. Bohr’s Quantum Model of the Atom
    6. Photons and Electromagnetic Waves
    7. The Wave Properties of Particles
  3. Quantum Mechanics
    1. The Double Slit Experiment Revisited
    2. The Uncertainty Principle
    3. Probability Density
    4. Particle in a Box
    5. The Schrödinger Equation
  4. Atomic Physics
    1. Early Models of the Atom
    2. The Hydrogen Atom Revisited
    3. The Spin Magnetic Quantum Number
    4. The Wave Functions for Hydrogen
    5. The Other Quantum Numbers
    6. The Exclusion Principle and the Periodic Table
    7. Atomic Spectra
    8. Atomic Transitions
  5. Molecules and Solids
    1. Molecular Bonds
    2. The Energy and Spectra of Molecules
    3. Bonding in Solids
    4. Band Theory of Solids
    5. Free-Electron Theory of Metals
    6. Electrical Conduction in Metals, Insulators and Semiconductors
  6. Nuclear Structure
    1. Some Properties of Nuclei
    2. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
    3. Binding Energy and Nuclear Forces
    4. Nuclear Models
    5. Radioactivity
    6. The Decay Process
    7. Natural Radioactivity
    8. Nuclear Reactions
  7. Nuclear Fission and Fusion
    1. Interactions Involving Neutrons
    2. Nuclear Fission
    3. Nuclear Reactors
    4. Nuclear Fusion
  8. Particle Physics and Cosmology
    1. The Fundamental Forces in Nature
    2. Positrons and Other Antiparticles
    3. Mesons and the Beginning of Particle Physics
    4. Classification of Particles
    5. Conservation Laws

Coures Content (Laboratory): 

  1. Laboratory experiments, simulations, and activities exploring the lecture content that may include the following concepts
    1. Length Contraction & Time Dilation
    2. Twin Paradox
    3. Curvature of Space-Time
    4. Photoelectric Effect
    5. Davisson-Germer Experiment
    6. Quantum Wave Interference
    7. Quantum Bound States
    8. Quantum tunneling
    9. Covalent Bonds
    10. Lasers
    11. Stern-Gerlach Experiment
    12. Fission
    13. Fusion
  2. Experimental Technique, Manual and Computerized Collection and Analysis of Data, Error Analysis.
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Problem Solving
  2. Research Report
  3. Presentation
  4. Distance Education
  5. Laboratory exercises
  6. Lectures
  7. Class and group discussions
  8. Textbook reading assignments
  9. Presentation of audio-visual materials
  10. Research project
  11. Hands-on Activities
  12. Online Assignments
  13. Computer-based interactive curriculum
  14. Diagnostic Quizzes
  15. Simulations
  16. Written assignments
  17. Lecture/Discussion
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. weekly or bi-weekly homework assignments with an average of 10-15 word problems per assignment, similar to: The energy of an electron in a 1.85- eV -deep potential well is 1.50 eV . At what distance into the classically forbidden region has the amplitude of the wave function decreased to 24.0 % of its value at the edge of the potential well?
  2. Weekly or bi-weekly practice problems may be worked on collaboratively during class, for practice only, similar to: If the accuracy in measuring the position of a particle increases, the accuracy in measuring its velocity will do what?
  3. Weekly laboratory activities take place which may involve direct experimentation, computer analysis, theoretical calculations, and written lab reports, similar to: Photoelectric Effect: The maximum energies of electrons ejected from the photocathode of a photocell are determined for illumination by three different laser pointers and the Planck Constant is estimated from the hypothesis of a linear relation between photon frequency and energy.
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Quizzes
  3. Research Projects
  4. Oral Presentation
  5. Lab Activities
  6. Homework
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. assess improvement in learning over the term using pre- and post-course surveys used in the current Physics Educational Research literature;
  2. demonstrate qualitative mastery of physics concepts in relativity and modern physics through presentations, group projects, research papers, and/or homework essays;
  3. demonstrate mastery of quantitative aspects of physics concepts in relativity and modern physics through homework and/or exam problems;
  4. demonstrate mastery of physics lab experiments through submission of a complete lab report with all requirement elements present, including abstract; introduction; materials, methods, and procedures; data and analysis; results and discussion; references; data tables;
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Felder & Felder (2023). Modern Physics (1st). Cambridge University Press.
  2. Knight (2017). Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th). Pearson.
  3. Young & Freedman (2019). University Physics (15th). Pearson.
  1. Chabot Faculty. Physics 7D Lab Manual. Chabot College, 2023.
  1. Modified Mastering Physics. Pearson, (/e).

Programmable scientific calculator capable of graphing,

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Introduction to relativity and modern physics, including: introduction to quantum theory; atomic, molecular, nuclear and particle physics; condensed matter physics; astrophysics and cosmology. This is the last course in the physics sequence for engineering and science majors, and should follow Physics 7A, 7B, and 7C. Students may take Physics 7D concurrently with 7B or 7C.
Prerequisite: PHYS 7B (May be taken concurrently) and PHYS 7C (May be taken concurrently)
Discipline:
Physics/Astronomy*