City University of Pasay

Pasadeña St., Pasay City

College of Education

Outcome-based Syllabus

Course Code: S125

Course Title: Modern Physics

Credit Unit: 3 units

Course Description: Exploration of fundamental concepts in modern physics, including special relativity, quantum mechanics, and particle physics. Emphasis on
mathematical formulations, problem-solving, and experimental applications.

Pre-requisite: PHYS 202 (Classical Mechanics), PHYS 203 (Electromagnetism), MATH 205 (Calculus III)

Program Intended Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of physics principles: Apply fundamental concepts, theories, and mathematical models to solve problems.
2. Develop problem-solving skills Analyze complex physics problems, identify key concepts, and apply appropriate mathematical techniques.
3. Design and conduct experiments: Plan, execute, and analyze experiments to investigate physical phenomena.
4. Analyze and interpret data: Extract meaningful conclusions from experimental data, using statistical analysis and graphical representation.
5. Communicate scientific results: Effectively present research findings, both orally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences.
6. Integrate physics with other disciplines: Recognize connections between physics and other fields, such as mathematics, engineering, and computer science.

Course Outcomes:

1. Apply special relativity principles: Explain time dilation, length contraction, and relativistic energy-momentum equivalence.
2. Solve quantum mechanics problems: Use Schrödinger’s equation, wave functions, and probability density to analyze quantum systems.
3. Analyze particle interactions: Describe fundamental forces, particle classification, and decay modes.
4. Apply mathematical models: Utilize Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics, and quantum mechanics equations to solve problems.
5. Evaluate experimental techniques: Assess modern physics experiments, including particle accelerators and spectroscopy.
6. Communicate scientific ideas: Clearly present modern physics concepts, theories, and applications in written and oral formats.
Course Outline for Lecture:
Reference/Resource Teaching and Learning
Subject Matter Materials Activities Assessment Tasks Time table
At the end of this unit, the I: Special Relativity ● Kenneth S. Krane, ● Discussion ● Quiz
students are expected to: A. Introduction to Modern Physics "Modern Physics" ● Power Point ● Assignment
- Historical context: Michelson- (3rd ed.) Presentation ● Activity
Morley experiment ● Richard P. Feynman ● Website Link
- Classical physics limitations: ether "The Feynman ● YouTube Link
hypothesis Lecture on Physics" ● Share Screen
- Relativity overview: postulates, ● Website Link
Presentation
implications ● YouTube Link

B. Lorentz Transformations
- Space-time coordinates: (x, y, z, t)
- Time dilation: t’ = γ(t – vx/c^2)
- Length contraction: L’ = L/γ
- Relativistic velocity addition: u’ =
(u – v)/(1 – uv/c^2)

C. Relativistic Kinematics
- Relativistic energy: E = γmc^2
- Relativistic momentum: p = γmu
- Mass-energy equivalence: E =
mc^2

D. Relativistic Dynamics
- Relativistic force: F = dp/dt
- Relativistic acceleration: a = dF/dt
- Relativistic energy-momentum
tensor
At the end of this unit, the II: Quantum Mechanics ● Kenneth S. Krane, ● Discussion ● Quiz
students are expected to: A. Wave-Particle Duality "Modern Physics" ● Power Point ● Assignment
- Wave-particle experiments: (3rd ed.) Presentation ● Activity
double-slit, photoelectric effect ● Richard P. Feynman ● Website Link
- De Broglie wavelength: λ = h/p "The Feynman ● YouTube Link
- Wave functions: ψ(x, t) Lecture on Physics" ● Share Screen
● Website Link Presentation
B. Schrödinger Equation ● YouTube Link
- Time-dependent equation:
iℏ(∂ψ/∂t) = Hψ
- Time-independent equation: Hψ =
Eψ
- Wave function normalization:
∫|ψ|^2 dx = 1

C. Quantum Mechanics Postulates

- Wave function collapse: ψ → ψ’
- Measurement uncertainty: Δx * Δp
>= ℏ/2
- Quantum superposition: ψ = aψ1
+ bψ2

D. Quantum Spin, Statistics

- Spin angular momentum: S = ℏ/2
- Pauli exclusion principle: no two
electrons in same state
- Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein
statistics

E. Quantum Mechanics
Applications
- Quantum tunneling: particles
through barriers
- Quantum harmonic oscillator:
energy levels
- Hydrogen atom: energy levels,
wave functions
At the end of this unit, the III: Particle Physics • Kenneth S. Krane, Discussion
● Quiz
●
students are expected to: A. Fundamental Forces “Modern Physics” (3rd ●
Power Point Assignment
●
- Strong nuclear force: quark-quark ed.) Presentation Activity
●
interactions • Richard P. Feynman ●
Website Link
- Weak nuclear force: beta decay “The Feynman ●
YouTube Link
- Electromagnetic force: photon- Lecture on Physics” ●
Share Screen
mediated • Website Link Presentation
• YouTube Link
B. Particle Classification
- Leptons: electron, neutrino
- Quarks: up, down, strange
- Gauge bosons: photon, gluon

C. Standard Model Overview

- Quark model: hadrons as quark
combinations
- Electroweak unification: photon,
W/Z bosons
- Higgs mechanism: mass generation

D. Particle Interactions, Decays

- Feynman diagrams: graphical
representation
- Particle decay modes: beta decay,
alpha decay
- Cross-section calculations: scattering
probabilities
 At the end of this unit, the IV: Applications, Future Directions • Kenneth S. Krane, Discussion
● Quiz
●
students are expected to: A. Nuclear Physics “Modern Physics” ● Point
Power Assignment
●
- Nuclear binding energy: atomic (3rd ed.) Presentation Activity
●
mass defect • Richard P. Feynman ●
Website Link
- Nuclear reactions: fission, fusion “The Feynman ●
YouTube Link
- Nuclear medicine: cancer treatment Lecture on Physics” ● Screen
Share
• Website Link Presentation
B. Cosmology • YouTube Link
- Big Bang theory: universe origin
- Cosmic microwave background:
radiation
- Dark matter, dark energy:
mysterious components

C. Quantum Computing
- Quantum bits

Evaluation:
CRITERIA GRADE PERCENTAGE
a. Major Examinations (P, M, F) 40%
b. Recitation 20%
c. Quizzes 20%
d. Activity/Assignment TOTAL 20%_________
100%
REFERENCES:

1. Kenneth S. Krane, “Modern Physics” (3rd ed.)

2. Richard P. Feynman

Prepared by:
_____________________
3-4 General Science Boys