The course aims to provide an introduction to the main topics of Physics from the early 1900s onwards, with an experimental and phenomenological approach.
Syllabus
Elements of special relativity: The covariance of electromagnetism. The Michelson-Morley experiment. Extension of the principle of relativity. Lorentz transformations. Relativistic kinematics and dynamics. Relativistic Doppler effect. Outline of general relativity. Crisis of classical Physics and elements of quantum mechanics: Black-body radiation. The photoelectric effect. The specific heat of solids. The Compton effect. Rutherford’s experiment. The Bohr atom. Fundamental experiments on matter waves. Wave-particle duality. Uncertainty principle. Schroedinger equation. Probabilistic interpretation of the wave function. Simple one-dimensional problems. Angular momentum. Hydrogen-like atom. Identical particles. Pauli principle. Elements of statistical Physics: Review of thermodynamics. Microscopic reversibility and macroscopic irreversibility. Kinetic theory of the ideal gas. Boltzmann’s postulates. Statistical interpretation of the second law of thermodynamics. Boltzmann distribution and its applications. Outline of quantum statistical mechanics.
Expected learning
outcomes
At the end of the course, students must demonstrate that they
know and understand the phenomenological and experimental foundations of the theory of relativity and of quantum mechanics; they must be able to reproduce quantitatively the main results studied
are able to apply this knowledge in the general setting-up of a problem in relativistic/quantum physics;
are able to communicate ideas and solutions clearly, rigorously and effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
are able to identify the most appropriate methods to analyse and solve a problem related to the course topics and to interpret the results correctly
Learning outcomes
to be assessed
Assessment will cover the knowledge and skills acquired on the course topics, taking into account both procedural skills (ability to set up and solve problems) and argumentative skills (ability to represent phenomena in terms of the theory).
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