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 essential concepts, 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.

AUTHOR The author, Dr. Chris McMullen, has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana (and has also taught physics to gifted high school students). He has also published a half-dozen papers on the collider phenomenology of superstring-inspired large extra dimensions. Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in particle physics from Oklahoma State University (and his M.S. in physics from California State University, Northridge).

Dr. McMullen is well-known for:

• engaging physics students in challenging ideas through creativity
• breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
• providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
• his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
• helping students become more fluent in practical math skills