PHYS3313 MODERN PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS

OSU Fall 2002

        The revolutionary discovery of energy quantization in his efforts to successfully explain blackbody radiation by Max Planck in 1900 marked the birth of modern physics. In 1905, Albert Einstein developed the special theory of relativity and introduced dramatic concepts, such as time dilation, length contraction, and mass-energy relation, added a new dimension to modern physics. Tremendous developments in modern physics have been made since then, greatly expanded our understanding of nature in space (subatomic and subnucleus levels to the universe), time (10-15 seconds to the birth of the Universe), and matter (atoms, molecules, semiconductors, superconducting materials, superfluids, nanotubes…). Modern physics has made great impacts over a broad range of sciences and technologies, including mathematics, chemistry, material sciences, engineering, technology, biology, and medicine. It is safe to say that modern physics has shaped the world we live in.

        LECTURES: TTh 12:30 – 1:45 pm at 110 PS

        INSTRUCTOR: Aihua Xie, Associate Professor of Physics (Tel:4-6589, xaihua@okstate.edu)

        TEACHING ASSISTANT: Qinan Bao, Physics Ph.D. student (qinan@westlake.phy.okstate.edu)

        OFFICE HOURS: Aihua Xie: Tuesday 3:30 – 5:00 pm, Wednesday 1:30 – 3:00 pm at 231 PS

        Qinan Bao: Tuesday 2:30 – 4:30 pm at 052 PS

        Homework due Wednesday 3:00 pm, Exams on Sept. 19, Oct. 29, and Dec. 3, 2002.

                     SYLLABUS        HOMEWORK        REVIEW        EXAMS