Modern and Nuclear

At the end of the 19th century, many scientists believed they had learned most of what there was to know about physics. Kinematics and dynamics, universal gravitation, principles of electricity and magnetism, the laws of thermodynamics and kinetic theory, and the principles of optics were highly successful in explaining a variety of phenomena. Thus far, we have studied these ideas and have found that we can describe physical phenomena with separate sets of analysis models based on simplification models, many based on particles and others on waves.

At the turn of the 20th century, however, a major revolution shook the world of physics. In 1900, Max Planck provided the basic ideas that led to the formulation of the quantum theory, and in 1905, Albert Einstein formulated his special theory of relativity. Both theories were to have a profound effect on our understanding of nature. Relativity tells us that concepts of kinematics and dynamics are not as we thought when we consider speeds close to that of light. Although the predictions of the special theory of relativity often violate our common sense, the theory correctly describes the results of experiments involving speeds near the speed of light. One of the most startling results from quantum theory tells us that such entities as electrons (particles) and light (waves) have both particle-like and wavelike properties!

Modern Physics covers the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and their application to atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, and cosmology.

Even though the physics that was developed during the 20th century has led to a multitude of important technological achievements, the story is still incomplete. Discoveries will continue to evolve during our lifetimes