DESCRIPTION
This combination of study guide and workbook covers the following essential topics from modern physics:
special relativity
(concepts and mathematics)
blackbody radiation (in-depth coverage)
the photoelectric effect (concepts and equations)
Schrödinger's equation
(thorough solutions to the most basic problems: the step potential, barrier potential, and square well)
the Compton effect (including the derivation)
Heisenberg's uncertainty principle (in terms of momentum and also energy)
the de Broglie relation (and related formulas)
Bohr's model of the atom (includes dozens of equations)
LEVEL
The student should know derivatives and integrals from a standard calculus course, and should have already studied first-year physics (Newton's laws, conservation of energy, E&M, and waves). Chapter 12 provides a concise review of essential skills from a course on
differential equations
, and there is a little bit of math with
complex numbers
(mostly, finding the complex conjugate as it relates to Schrödinger's equation).
FORMAT
This study guide workbook focuses on
essential
concepts, formulas, and problem-solving skills:
Fully-solved examples
with explanations show you how to apply standard problem-solving techniques.
Handy charts tabulate the symbols, what they mean, and their SI units.
Problem-solving strategies are
broken down
into steps and illustrated with examples.
Essential terms and concepts are defined and
explained
.
Each chapter includes a variety of practice problems. The paperback edition includes space to solve the problems in the workbook.
The
full solution
to every practice problem can be found at the back of the book.
AUTHOR
The author, Dr. Chris McMullen, has over
20 years of experience
teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana (and has also taught physics to gifted high school students). He has also published a half-dozen papers on the collider phenomenology of superstring-inspired large extra dimensions. Chris McMullen earned his
Ph.D.
in particle physics from Oklahoma State University (and his M.S. in physics from California State University, Northridge).Dr. McMullen is well-known for:
engaging physics students in challenging ideas through
creativity
breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
helping students
become more fluent in practical math skills