The first edition of our text established a trend for a contemporary approach to the exciting, thriving, and changing field of modern science. After briefly visiting the status of physics at the turn of the last century, we cover relativity and quantum theory, the basis of any study of modern physics. Almost all areas of science depend on quantum theory and the methods of experimental physics. We have included the name Quantum Mechanics in two of our chapter titles (Chapters 5 and 6) to emphasize the quantum connection. The latter part of the book is devoted to the subfields of physics (atomic, condensed matter, nuclear, and particle) and the exciting field of cosmology.
Our experience is that science and engineering majors particularly enjoy the study of modern physics after the sometimes-laborious study of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and optics.
The level of mathematics is not difficult for the most part, and students feel they finally getting to the frontiers of physics. We have brought the study of modern physics alive by presenting many current applications and challenges in physics, for example, nanoscience, high-temperature superconductors, quantum teloportation, neutrino mass and oscillations, age of the universe, gamma-ray bursts, holography, and nuclear fusion. Modern physics texts need to be updated periodically to include recent advances. Although we have emphasized modern applications, we also provide the sound theoretical basis for quantum theory that will be needed by physics majors in their upper division and graduate courses.
1. The Birth of Modern Physics
2. Special Theory of Relativity
3. The Experimental Basis of Quantum Theory
4. Structure of the Atom
5. Wave Properties of Matter and Quantum Mechanics I
6. Quantum Mechanics II
7. The Hydrogen Atom
8. Atomic Physics
9. Statistical Physics
10. Molecules and Solids
,etc.