Essential Modern Physics Study Guide Workbook

DESCRIPTION: This combination of study guide and workbook covers the following essential topics from modern physics:

• special relativity (concepts and mathematics)
• blackbody radiation (in-depth coverage)
• the photoelectric effect (concepts and equations)
• Schrödinger’s equation (thorough solutions to the most basic problems: the step potential, barrier potential, and square well)
• the Compton effect (including the derivation)
• Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle (in terms of momentum and also energy)
• the de Broglie relation (and related formulas)
• Bohr’s model of the atom (includes dozens of equations)

LEVEL: The student should know derivatives and integrals from a standard calculus course, and should have already studied first-year physics (Newton’s laws, conservation of energy, E&M, and waves). Chapter 12 provides a concise review of essential skills from a course on differential equations, and there is a little bit of math with complex numbers (mostly, finding the complex conjugate as it relates to Schrödinger’s equation).

FORMAT: This study guide workbook focuses on essentialconcepts, formulas, and problem-solving skills:

• Fully-solved examples with explanations show you how to apply standard problem-solving techniques.
• Handy charts tabulate the symbols, what they mean, and their SI units.
• Problem-solving strategies are broken down into steps and illustrated with examples.
• Essential terms and concepts are defined and explained.
• Each chapter includes a variety of practice problems. The paperback edition includes space to solve the problems in the workbook.
• The full solution to every practice problem can be found at the back of the book.