Physics 2710 –
Introductory Modern Physics
Fall 2009
Physics 2710 is about physical
reality that cannot be directly sensed and about phenomena for which the
observer is inextricably a part.
In this realm, waves are particles and particles are waves and there is
no intrinsic reality until an observer observes it. While all of this might sound preposterous and metaphysical,
there are profoundly important practical consequences—nuclear energy,
laser technology, semiconductors and superconductors, and limits to
computation, to name a few. In
fact, it is estimated that roughly 1/3 of the economy of the developed
world is directly due to quantum mechanics. In this
course, we will examine both the philosophical implications of modern physics
as well as how its ideas are used in practical applications.
Downloadable
contents of this site (in blue)
Notes (pdf)
Quantum
teleportation and computing
Rudiments
of statistical mechanics
Supplementary
problems (pdf)
Supplementary
Problem Set #5
Things to know
for exams (pdf)
Know for Exam III
Practice exams (pdf)
Answers to
practice exams (pdf)
Simulations (Excel)