PHY 220 - Relativity and Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Course Units: 1

(Fall; Staff) A second course in modern physics covering special relativity and an introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include relativistic kinematics, relativistic dynamics, four-vector notation, relativistic collisions, origins of quantum mechanics, Schrodinger’s equation and the development of wave mechanics, applications of wave mechanics in one and three dimensions (step potential, square well, harmonic oscillator), angular momentum operators, the hydrogen atom, Dirac notation and matrix formulation of linear operators, Dirac Delta function, spin angular momentum, measurement theory, and time-independent perturbation theory. Prerequisite(s): PHY 122 . Lecture/Lab Hours One hour computational lab each week.