1Physics 2170: Modern Physics• Professor: Jamie Nagle– Office: Duane F221 (Gamow tower)– Email: [email protected]– Phone: 303-735-3560 (but I don’t often check voicemail)– Web page: http:/spot.colorado.edu/~naglej• Classroom: Duane G125 (here)• Text: Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers Second Edition by Taylor, Zafiratos, and DubsonToday will basically be an introduction to the class.Everything in the handout is also on the class web page.http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys2170Two major topics = twice the fun!• special relativity, electromagnetic waves– What happens to things that are moving really fast.• quantum mechanics– What happens to things that are really small.These subjects are quite different, and both appear counter-intuitive at a first pass.1. People understand concepts by seeing, discussing, and applying them, not by passively listening to explanations.2. Understanding physics & solving problems is a learned skill, like golf or playing basketball or violin. Takes time, effort, and practice. Research says better retention if sustained effort rather than cramming.3. People learn best by sharing and getting feedbackStudent-student as well as student-faculty.4. Students learn best when they take responsibility for what is learned.Physics is not a collection of facts(it’s magic )((just kidding… it’s better than magic))It is a way of thinking.Only you can teach yourself to think!Analyzing, applying concepts, solving problems.Guiding PrinciplesLearning only comes as a result of your effort!Model for learning 21701. Reading before class: introduce ideas and terms.2. Analysis and discussion in class: explore, develop basic ideas and understanding.3. Master and retain ideas through use in extensive HW (4-6 hrs/wk)I plan to work very hard teaching this course. Please come to talk to me if you have questions or are struggling.ExpectationsClass Web Pagehttp://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys2170Important class rules: 1)No laptops allowed (for any use), no cell phones on, no texting, no newspapers in class. 2)Lots of physicsdiscussion during clicker questionsSyllabus: Please read. It describes in more detail many of the items mentioned todayCourse calendar: contains lots of stuff:• Reading assignments for each day• Lecture notes (posted after lecture)Homework• Real understanding of physics comes about from solving problems. Physics is about understanding the universe and applying that understanding to solving problems.• The homework assignments in this class are crucial to developing good problems solving skills and learning the material.• Homework is due on Wednesdays at 9:50 am (before class) in the wood cabinet at the entrance to the physics help room (G2B90). First homework assignment is posted and due Wednesday September 2.• Solutions will be posted on the class web page.2http://www.colorado.edu/physics/EducationIssues/baily/SurveyFa09/Survey2170FA09PRE.htmModern Physics SurveyQuick 15 minute survey on pre-course understanding of a few modern physics issues.Due Monday August 31.Worth 1 HW Problem of Extra Credit.Linked from Class Web Page:Problem Solving Sessions•Times: Tentatively 2:30 – 4 pm Mondays and 3:30 – 4:45 pm Tuesdays.• Location: far end of physics help room (G2B90)• This is to allow a convenient time and location for you to work together on homework.• I will be there only to guide you in developing your own problem solving abilities (problem solving coach).Working together on homework problems is encouraged because it helps you get feedback on your thinking.To facilitate this, I will host problem solving sessionsNote, no meetings this week.However, feel free to make an appointment or drop by my office.Collective Work vs. Independent Work...What is authorized:- working with others to make sense of questions- collectively sorting out the answer (explaining reasoning)- writing up your own solution in your own wordsWhat is NOT authorized:- telling students the answer- representing someone else’s work as your ownGroup Work is EncouragedThe CU Honor CodeReading the TextThe textbook is Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers Second Edition by Taylor, Zafiratos, and DubsonThe reading assignments before each class are mandatory. The assignments are given in the course calendar.You will get much more out of lecture if you have read the material first.Reading for Wednesday class (i.e. before) – TZD 1.1-1.3You are responsible for all material assigned in the book even if it is not covered in class!• iClickers are required: Purchase at bookstore– You should label yours in case of loss or mix-upClassroom Response System (clickers)• Register on CUConnect.• Score keeping starts next week.• Why do we use clickers?– Breaks up lecture, allows you to think and talk about the concepts, gives me feedback on your understanding of the material.– It has been proven to work• Physics Education Research has shown that active engagement, such as provided through the use of clickers, results in students with a better understanding of physics.• During each lecture there will be 1-5 questions based on the material just covered.– You should discuss these questions with a nearby “study group” of a few students– Then, everyone in the group should vote the same– If you disagree you should try to explain to the group why you think your answer is correct– The group discussion is required!Details on how clickers are used3Clicker questionQ. Do you have a working clicker?A. YesB. NoC. Not sureSet frequency to DATo set frequency, hold down on/off button until power light starts flashing. Then enter DA and vote light should flash green and power light should be solid blue. Can only set frequency after the first question of the class has started. If you turn off your clicker, repeat procedure before answering.Can vote as often as you like during the allowed time; only the last vote countsD. Who wants to know?Only use your own clicker. Answering for someone else using their clicker is a violation of the CU honor code.Grades• 65% Exams: 3 in-class midterms count 10% each and one cumulative final counts 35%• 30% Homework: Can work together but must write up the answers on your own• 5% In-class work– based on participations and clicker answersClicker questionQ. Why are you in this class?A. Interested in modern physics – not requiredB. Interested in modern physics and is