Notes, links, etc. for modern physics

(quantum mechanics, relativity, statistical mechanics, solid state physics, particle physics)

Last updated 11/29/10

NOTE: If you come across something that is particularly useful in understanding these topics, let me know and I will add a link on this page.

General information:

• Link to a good set of modern physics lectures notes by Dr. R. D. Field at University of Florida.
• Modern Physics Physlets (simulations by Wolfgang Christian).
• HyperPhysics chapter on Quantum Physics.
• Simulations and tutorial on Waves.
• CERN summer school lectures on particle and nuclear physics: 2010.
• Brief notes on waves.
• Review of angular quantities.

Quantum mechanics:

• All of the Modern Physics Physlet simulations are interesting but the following cover key points:
  • Probability: all of Chapter 6.
  • Schrodinger's equation: all of Chapter 7 except 7.5 and 7.8
  • Wave packets: 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.6, 8.8
  • Scattering: 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9
  • Infinite square well: 10.1, 10.2, 10.4
  • Finite square well: 11.1, 11.4
  • Harmonic oscillator: 12.1, 12.2
  • Schrodinger's equation in higher dimensions (hydrogen): Chapter 13
• Simulations of the physical evidence for quantum theory (if you run accross other ones let me know):
  • J.J. Tomson experiment: simulation: AMPS, Physlet.
  • Rutherford scattering: simulations: Phet, Physlet, Gladney; info: HyperPhysics.
  • The Bohr model: simulation: Physlet, McGraw-Hill; info: HyperPhysics.
  • DeBroglie: info: HyperPhysics.
  • Photo electric effect; simulations: Phet, Physlet, Fendt, MSU, Ohio; info: HyperPhysics.
  • Blackbody radiation: simulations: Phet, Physlet; info: HyperPhysics.
  • Davidson-Germer experiment (Bragg diffraction of electrons): simulations: Phet, Physlet, info: HyperPhysics.
  • Franck-Hertz; simulations: Kansas, ;info: HyperPhysics, YouTube.
  • Millikan oil drop: simulations: Physlet; info: YouTube.
  • Compton scattering: simulations: Physlet, info: HyperPhysics.
  • Spectral lines: simulations: Phet, Physlet, atomic spectra (U Oregon).
  • Stern-Gerlach experiment: simulation: Phet, Peng (instructions); info: HyperPhysics.
• Intro quantum notes.
• Solution of the harmonic oscillator.
• Solution of the hydrogen atom.
• Transitions and selection rules.
• Details on quantum tunneling.
• The uncertianty principle notes.
• Notes on quantum operators.
• Notes on the Zeeman effect.
• A little quantum chemistry notes.
• Summary of Quantum mechanics.
• Wikipedia's ionization chart.

Relativity:

• Special relativity notes. (update)
• Derivation of the Lorentz equations.
• Derivation of the Michelson-Morley expermiment.
• Derivation of time dilation.
• Explanation of the twin paradox.
• Derivation of E = mc².
• Derivation of relativistic momentum.
• Derivation of the Doppler shift.
• Relativistic explanation of magnetic fields.
• An explanation of Bell's inequalities (you will have to first read about what the equalities mean).
• General relativity notes.
• Picture of graviational lensing effects.
• History of the universe chart.

Statistical Mechanics:

• Notes on Pressure and Temperature (kinetic theory).
• Notes on the First and Second laws of thermodynamics.
• A bit more detail on the Second Law.
• Resource page on the first and second law.
• Summary handout on distributions.

Solid State Physics:

• Molecular bonding: one.
• Bonding in solids: one, two, three, summary.
• Ways atoms and photons interact; summary.
• Phet laser applet.
• Crystals: types; defects: one, two.
• Bands: one, two.
• Electronic proprties.
• Semiconductors: general, diodes, transistor.
• Read the last part of the quantum chemistry notes.
• Notes on the electrical and magnetic properties of solids.
• How computer chips are made.
• A little bit about electronics and logic circuits.

Nuclear Physics:

• Resource page for nuclear power.
• Notes on nuclear power.
• Cool interactive Chart of Nuclides.
• New World Encyclopedia page that has charts of natural sequences of radioactive decay.
• The liquid drop model.
• The shell model; more.
• Fission and fusion.
• The Full Wiki: Inertial Confinement. Diagram of inertial confinement reactor. Small test reactor picture.
• ITER: diagram, small test, construction, timeline; one, two.
• Simplified chart of the proton-proton cycle.
• Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.
• Wiki article on stellar evolution.
• Supernova: one, two; Neutron star: one, two; Black holes; lensing, jets.
• Abundance of the elements in the galaxy, picture.
• Graph of evidence of dark matter.
• Evidence for dark energy (a.k.a. Hubble expansion graph).

Particle Physics:

• Particle Physics notes.
• Summary of the Standard Model.
• Examples of particles and conservation laws.
• Examples of symmetry groups ("families") of particles.
• Examples of Feynman graphs.
• Examples of Feynman rules.
• Quark color.
• Negative energy states.
• Examples of conservation rules.
• Properties of sub-atomic particles (Particle Data Group).
• PBS web pages on string theory (very good!).