Modern Physics
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Intended for science and engineering students with a background in introductory physics and calculus, this textbook creates a bridge between classical and modern physics, filling the gap between descriptive elementary texts and formal graduate textbooks. The book presents the main topics and concepts of special relativity and quantum mechanics, starting from the basic aspects of classical physics and analysing these topics within a modern physics frame. The classical experiments that gave rise to modern physics are also critically discussed, and special emphasis is devoted to solid state physics and its relationship with modern physics.
Copyright © IOP Publishing Ltd 2020
Online ISBN: 978-0-7503-2678-0
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Print ISBN: 978-0-7503-2676-6
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The basic concepts of classical physics as a useful path towards modern physics
What happens to light when it passes through a prism? The early history of spectroscopy
Electrical resistivity measurements reveal transport properties
How to look deep inside matter: scanning electron microscopy
The second revolution of quantum mechanics: a path for beginners from superconductivity to quantum computers
A new quantum era: from quantum optics to quantum technologies
Current transport and light emission in semiconductors: a simple way to determine the Planck constant
Supplementary material
I have identified two different categories of possible users who could very much appreciate this work. The first are obviously the undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, materials science and, also, some types of engineering. They can find in this volume a wealth of interesting and useful information, complementing the study of the formal foundations of theoretical physics and the structure of matter.
The second are high school teachers who, by adapting the material proposed here, can build a robust teaching offer in "modern physics" to their students, as required by modern ministerial programs. Finally, this manual represents an ideal tool for a course on teaching methods and techniques of physics.
Although the volume is written by many authors, there are no overlaps or unnecessary repetitions, testifying to the care that has been taken in coordinating the drafts of the various chapters. The graphics (in color) are of a good standard, the formalism is accurate and precise, the layout is pleasant and functional for easy reading. Each chapter is completed by a rich bibliography.
In summary: a very successful manual.
Luciano Colombo (University of Cagliari) 2021 Il Nuovo Cimento Società Italiana di Fisica