Modern Physics Course

Lesson 1 • Quantization of Energy

Presents Planck's quantum hypothesis and Einstein's photon model. Bridges the gap between classical wave theory and discrete energy packets.

Lesson 2 • Special Relativity Fundamentals

Introduces Einstein's two postulates and their logical consequences. Connects to classical mechanics by showing where it remains valid at low speeds.

Lesson 3 • Limits of Classical Mechanics

Identifies where Newtonian mechanics and Maxwell's electromagnetism fail. Sets the stage for understanding why new physics was necessary.

Lesson 1 • Wave Functions and Probability

Defines the wave function as the fundamental quantum descriptor. Establishes Born's probabilistic interpretation and normalization requirements.

Lesson 2 • The Schrodinger Equation

Derives the time-dependent and time-independent Schrodinger equations. Connects energy quantization to boundary conditions on wave functions.

Lesson 3 • Simple Quantum Systems

Solves exactly solvable models to build physical intuition. Results from these models underpin more complex atomic and molecular systems.

Lesson 4 • Dirac Notation and Formalism

Introduces bra-ket notation as a compact and general quantum language. Prepares students for advanced treatments of spin and multi-particle systems.

Lesson 1 • Angular Momentum in Quantum Mechanics

Derives quantization of orbital angular momentum from commutation relations. Establishes quantum numbers l and m as labels for angular momentum states.

Lesson 2 • Electron Spin

Introduces intrinsic spin as a purely quantum mechanical property. Extends the quantum number set to include spin and explains the Stern-Gerlach experiment.

Lesson 3 • The Hydrogen Atom

Solves the Coulomb potential problem exactly using spherical coordinates. Produces the full set of hydrogen wave functions and energy levels.

Lesson 4 • 3D Schrodinger Equation

Generalizes the Schrodinger equation to three spatial dimensions. Introduces separation of variables as the primary solution strategy.

Lesson 1 • Molecular Bonding Basics

Describes covalent bonding through quantum mechanical overlap of atomic orbitals. Introduces the Born-Oppenheimer approximation for separating nuclear and electronic motion.

Lesson 2 • Perturbation Theory

Introduces time-independent perturbation theory as a tool for real systems. Applies corrections to hydrogen energy levels from small additional interactions.

Lesson 3 • Molecular Spectra

Analyzes rotational and vibrational energy levels of diatomic molecules. Connects molecular quantum numbers to infrared and microwave spectroscopy.

Lesson 1 • Bose-Einstein Condensation

Describes the macroscopic occupation of the ground state in bosonic systems. Connects theoretical predictions to experimental observations in ultracold gases.

Lesson 2 • Free Electron Model of Metals

Applies Fermi-Dirac statistics to conduction electrons in metals. Explains heat capacity, electrical conductivity, and the Fermi energy concept.

Lesson 3 • Classical Statistical Mechanics Review

Revisits Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics as the classical limit. Establishes partition functions and free energy as bridges between micro and macro descriptions.

Lesson 4 • Blackbody Radiation Revisited

Derives the Planck distribution using photon statistics as massless bosons. Recovers Wien's law and Stefan-Boltzmann law from the full quantum treatment.

Lesson 1 • Semiconductor Physics

Analyzes intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors using band theory. Explains carrier concentration, doping, and the p-n junction at the quantum level.

Lesson 2 • Electrons in Periodic Potentials

Applies Bloch's theorem to electrons in a crystal lattice. Derives energy bands and band gaps from the periodic potential.

Lesson 3 • Crystal Structure and Lattices

Introduces Bravais lattices, unit cells, and reciprocal space. Provides the geometric foundation for all subsequent band structure calculations.

Lesson 4 • Superconductivity Fundamentals

Introduces the phenomenology of superconductivity and Cooper pair formation. Covers the Meissner effect and the BCS theory at a conceptual level.

Lesson 1 • Radioactive Decay

Analyzes alpha, beta, and gamma decay using quantum tunneling and selection rules. Derives decay laws and applies them to half-life calculations.

Lesson 2 • Nuclear Reactions and Fission

Covers Q-value calculations and cross sections for nuclear reactions. Explains fission chain reactions and the physics of nuclear energy release.

Lesson 3 • Elementary Particles and Forces

Classifies quarks, leptons, and gauge bosons within the Standard Model. Describes the four fundamental forces and their mediating particles.

Lesson 4 • Nuclear Structure

Describes the nucleus in terms of protons, neutrons, and binding energy. Introduces the liquid drop and shell models as complementary descriptions.

Lesson 1 • Renormalization Concepts

Explains ultraviolet divergences and the renormalization procedure at a conceptual level. Introduces running coupling constants and the renormalization group idea.

Lesson 2 • Quantum Electrodynamics Overview

Introduces QED as the quantum field theory of electrons and photons. Explains gauge invariance and the minimal coupling of matter to the electromagnetic field.

Lesson 3 • Classical Field Theory Review

Recasts classical mechanics in terms of fields using the Lagrangian formalism. Establishes Noether's theorem as the link between symmetries and conservation laws.

Lesson 4 • Quantization of the Scalar Field

Promotes the classical scalar field to a quantum operator using canonical quantization. Introduces creation and annihilation operators and the Fock space of particle states.