Introduction to Modern Physics and Astrophysics

Code:

F202

Acronym:

F202

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Physics

Instance: 2013/2014 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Physics and Astronomy
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Physics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:AST	19	Plano de Estudos a partir de 2008	2	-	7,5	-
L:B	5	Plano de estudos a partir de 2008	3	-	7,5	-
L:CC	0	Plano de estudos de 2008 até 2013/14	3	-	7,5	-
L:F	50	Plano de estudos a partir de 2008	2	-	7,5	-
L:G	0	P.E - estudantes com 1ª matricula anterior a 09/10	3	-	7,5	-
		P.E - estudantes com 1ª matricula em 09/10	3	-	7,5	-
L:M	0	Plano de estudos a partir de 2009	3	-	7,5	-
L:Q	4	Plano de estudos Oficial	3	-	7,5	-
MI:EF	40	Plano de Estudos a partir de 2007	2	-	7,5	-

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To understand the inadequacy of classical concepts in the interpretation of some experimental results and the need for a new formulation of physics. To introduce wave mechanics, making applications to one-dimensional systems. To understand the nuclear structure and nuclear processes. To Study applications of quantum physics in astrophysics, condensed matter and/or optics.

Learning outcomes and competences

Solving problems in pre-quantic physics

Exact resolution of the Schrödinger equation for various linear potentials.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Program

1. Historical Introduction: Physics in the late nineteenth century and the crisis of classical physics in the early twentieth century. 2. The transition period and the semi-quantum formulation. 2.1 Particlelike properties of radiation: thermal radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton effect, production and pair annihilation, X-rays 2.2 Specific heat of solids: classical theory (Dulong and Petit) and Einstein's theory. 2.3 Atomic Models: Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr. 2.4 Wavelike properties of matter: de Broglie hypothesis, Young's slit experiments, diffraction of electrons. 3. Wave mechanics, wave-particle duality, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. Applications. 4. Schrodinger equation. Born interpretation. Stationary states. Quantum numbers. Solution of Schrodinger's equation for one-dimensional step potentials . Tunnel effect. Applications. Presentation and discussion of wave functions and energy levels of a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator. 5. Angular momentum and spin. Reference to Schroedinger equation for a central potential and quantization of angular momentum. Orbital quantum numbers, spectroscopic notation, selection rules. Stern-Gerlasch experiment and electronic spin. Zeeman effect. 6. Introduction to the Physics of the nucleus and radioactivity Size of nuclei, binding energy per nucleon, nuclear stability. Nuclear reactions - Q. Law of radioactive decay, alpha, beta and gamma emissions, electron capture. Nuclear fusion and fission. Nucleosynthesis. 7. The Big Bang and the formation of the Universe: brief discussion of scales of temperature, energy and time and constitution of the universe.

Mandatory literature

Krane; Modern Physics
Tipler P A and Llewllyn R A; Modern Physics
Serway, Moses, Moyer; Modern Physics

Complementary Bibliography

Eisberg and Resnick; Quantum Physics
Gasiorowicz; The Strucutre of Matter

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures (T). Solving the problem sheets (by the teacher and/or by students) in TP classes.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	132,50
Frequência das aulas	76,50
Total:	209,00

Calculation formula of final grade

Max(Exam Grade or Average of 2 Tests, 2nd. Exam Grade)