Concepts of Modern Physics

A presentation of modern physics, intended as a one-semester course for students who have taken basic physics and calculus courses. This sixth edition features revisions of the information on special relativity, quantum mechanics and elementary particles, as well as smaller updates throughout.

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This is the most up-to-date, accessible presentation of modern physics available. The book is intended for a one-semester course for students who have already taken basic physics and calculus courses. The balance of the book leans more towards ideas than experimental methods and practical applications because the beginning student is better served by a conceptual framework than by a mass of details. The sequence of topics follows a logical, rather than strictly historical, order. Relativity and quantum ideas are considered first to give a framework for understanding the physics of atoms and nuclei. The theory of the atom is then developed, followed by a discussion of the properties of aggregates of atoms, which includes a look at statistical mechanics. Finally atomic nuclei and elementary particles are examined. - Important topics are introduced on a relatively elementary level. - Special relativity, quantum mechanics and elementary particles received major revisions within this new edition. Also, smaller changes and updates have been made throughout the book and several new topics have been added, for example Einstein's derivation of the Planck radiation law.
- Exercises are at a variety of levels ranging from the very easy to those that require more thoughtful consideration of the material.