Ph106    Perspectives in Physics

Physics Department, Oregon State University

Spring 2006 term

Please note This breakdown by weeks is mostly logical, and represents a summary. The actual pace and organization of material may differ (a little), depending on the class dynamics. Details are not listed here. Environmental issues, as well as examples from modern physics and technology, are discussed throughout.

Week Lecture Material Lab Notes
04/03

Beginnings: history of astronomy, inertia, laws of motion.

Introduction. An overview: Old Greeks to Copernicus, Kepler. Birth of modern science: Galileo, Descartes, Newton. “Newtonian worldview.”

No Lab  
04/05  
04/07  
04/10

Mechanics, Gravitation. Energy concept.

Vectors, components; laws of motion. Gravity. Examples.
Introduction to concept of energy, conservation laws.

Regularities
in nature
(pendula, springs)		  
04/12  
04/14  
04/17

Energy, Heat. Introduction to molecular, atomic structure.

Oscillations and collisions; conservation laws. Atomic model(s).
Molecular structure. Introduction to energy transfer and heat.

Falling water
droplets and
Newton's laws		  
04/19  
04/21  
04/24

Energy. Structure of Matter. Thermodynamics.

Atomic, molecular structure and dynamics. Heat, Energy Transfer.
Statistical Physics; Thermodynamics. Review.

Energy and
environmental
issues		 Science News
04/26  
04/28  
05/01

Waves. Electricity and Magnetism. Light. Interactions.

Oscillations, waves. Electromagnetism, radiation. ‘Field’ concept.
Structure of matter and fundamental interactions: the modern view.

Speed of sound
in air		  
05/03 Midterm
05/05 check
05/08

Introduction to Quantum Physics.

Light, Electrodynamics and radiation. Atomic transitions. Photo-effect.
Dual nature of light, matter. Introduction to basic Quantum Mechanics.

Resonance
and
sound waves		  
05/10  
05/12  
05/15

Quantum Physics.

Quantum mechanics: Probabilistic interpretation. Uncertainty relations.
Examples of meaning of quantum mechanics. Models, examples.

Electricity
and
Magetism 		Science News
05/17  
05/19  
05/22

Quantum systems. Special and General Relativity.

Further examples of quantal behaviour. Interpretations. Indeterminism.
Introduction to Special and General Theories of Relativity.

Light and Optics  
05/24  
05/26  
05/29
No class on Monday: Memorial Day.

Modern physical theories.

More on quantum systems. Special and General Relativity.
Curved spacetimes. Some topics in cosmology.

Quantum Mechanics
and
Modern physics		 Paper
05/31  
06/02  
06/05

Current topics. Frontiers and Outlook.

Current theories and issues in research and technology.
Summary, overview. Perspective – where are we going?

Nuclear physics
and
Nuclear Decay		 Science News
06/07  
06/09