Physics 335 Syllabus: Winter Quarter 2010

Prof. Kamal Seth Tech F123 847-491-4050

Kseth@northwestern.edu

Office Hours: W 1 pm, and by appointment

Text: Modern Physics; Thornton & Rex, 3rd Edn.

Course Goals and Problem Assignments:

This course treats the great discoveries of the 20th and 21st centuries, building upon the foundation developed in Phyx 135 or an equivalent calculus-based course in ‘classical’ physics. The main themes are relativity, quantum theory, atomic and molecular structure, electronic properties of solids, superconductivity, nuclear and particle interactions, and astrophysics. Weekly problems sets and laboratories help to develop understanding of the basic ideas and practical skills. Small-group Special Projects will give an opportunity to pursue individual interests on a topic of current importance. Project evaluation will be based upon a web/public presentation.

Grade Scheme: Midterm(2)+Final(20)+Lab(20)+Project(3)+H’Work(10)=100%

Week

Mon.

Wed.

Fri.

Problems

Jan 4th

Intro

Ch. 1,2

Ch. 2

2: 7,13,21,28,32,35,39,43

2: 48, 51, 57, 65, 74, 80, 89

Jan 11th

Ch. 3

Ch. 3

Ch. 3

3: 3, 10, 14, 18, 27, 35, 38,42

Project Proposal

Jan 18th

Ch. 4

Ch. 5

Ch. 5,6

4: 6, 18, 24, 33, 42

5: 4,8,21,30,37,46,51,55

Jan 25th

Ch. 6

Ch. 6

Midterm

6: 5, 10, 15, 22, 34, 43, 44,45

Feb 1st

Ch.7

Ch. 7,8

Ch. 8,9

7: 6, 13, 20, 28, 31, 39, 45, 50

8:7, 13, 21, 36

Project Progress

Feb 8th

Ch.  9

Ch. 10

Ch. 10

9:4, 13, 18, 23, 42, 47, 51

10: 2, 6, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28,29

Feb 15th

Ch. 11

Ch.12

Ch. 12,13

11: 2, 4, 12, 17, 20, 28

12: 8, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22, 31,36

Feb 22nd

Ch. 12, 13

Ch. 14

Ch. 14

13: 5, 8, 14, 21, 27, 30, 34,37

14: 4, 8, 13, 19, 25, 32, 40,44

Mar 1st

Project

Project

Project

Mar 8th

Ch 15

Ch 15, 16

Ch 16

15: 2, 5, 8, 12, 13, 23 16:2, 11

16: 17, 21, 23, 28, 29

Mar 9th

Reading period

Mar 18th

Final Exam (3:00-5:00 pm)

Link:

http://www.physics.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/SyllabusPhysics335WinterQuarter2010.htm