Full Description
This undergraduate textbook discusses the nature of the microscopic universe from a modern perspective, based on Einstein's notions of relativity and Noether's proof of the emergence of conservation laws from symmetries of the equations of motion. These ideas drove the development of the Standard Model of particle physics and subsequent attempts to define a unified (string) theory. The second half of the book explores various aspects of many-body physics, ranging from chemical systems to plasmas to black holes. Like the previous textbook authored by by Mark Cunningham, Neoclassical Physics, this text uses a guided discovery approach of instruction, highlighting the experimental results that drove development of our modern picture of subatomic physics. Many problems utilize Mathematica® software to enable students to explore the meaning of different equations in a graphical manner. Students will gain an appreciation of the current state of physical theory, in preparation for more detailed, advanced study as upperclassmen.
Contents
Introduction.- Perception as Reality.- Classical Physics.- Quantum Physics.- Mathematical Insights.- On the Nature of the Photon.- Maxwell's Equations.- Radiation from Point Charges.- Relativistic Formulation.- Solitons.- On the Nature of the Electron.- Dirac Equation.- Renormalization.- Gyromagnetic Ratio.- Mathematical Inconsistencies.- On Atoms.- Hydrogen.- Many-body Problems.- Density-functional Theory.- Heavy Atoms.- On the Nature of the Nucleus.- Electron Scattering.- Nuclear Structure.- Nucleon-nucleon Scattering.- Four Forces.- Toward a Theory of Everything.- Quarks.- Electroweak Unification.- Standard Model.- Strings.- On the Nature of the Chemical Bond.- Electronic Structure.- Emergent Behavior.- Hydrogen Bonding.- Chemistry.- On Solids.- Bulk Properties.- Surface States.- Nanoscale/colloidal Materials.- Superconductivity.- Light and Matter.- Geometric Optics.- Transformation Optics.- Quantum Optics.- Quantum Computing.- Biological Systems.- Diffusion.- Molecular Structure and Recognition.- Biomolecular Machines.- Enzymatic Catalysis.- On Plasmas.- Fourth State of Matter.- Magnetohydrodynamics.- Electron Beams.- Fusion.- On Stars.- Nuclear Fusion Cycles.- Stellar Nucleosynthesis.- Stellar Evolution.- Black Holes.
