This course explores the fundamental principles of atomic structure and quantum physics, uncovering the mysteries of the atom and the dual nature of matter and light. Through theoretical concepts and experimental applications, students will gain a deep understanding of topics like atomic transitions, quantum mechanics, and wave-particle duality. The course also covers practical applications in spectroscopy, semiconductors, and quantum technologies.
Course Units:
- Discovery of the nucleus, nuclear notation, scattering experiments, nuclear densities, and emission spectra.
Atomic Energy Levels and Transitions
- Emission and absorption spectra, discrete energy levels, atomic transitions, quantized energy, and the photoelectric effect.
Wave-Particle Duality of Matter
- Wave nature of matter, de Broglie wavelength, Compton scattering, and experimental evidence for wave-particle duality.
Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Models
- Development of quantum mechanics, Schrödinger’s wave equation, atomic orbitals, and quantum mechanical bonding.
Applications of Quantum Physics
- Spectroscopy, quantum tunneling, quantum effects in solids, quantum computing, and experimental techniques.
This course is ideal for students interested in exploring the quantum world, preparing them for advanced studies and cutting-edge research in physics and technology.
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of radioactive decay, the forces governing atomic nuclei, and the practical applications of nuclear processes. Students will delve into the principles of isotopes, decay mechanisms, nuclear stability, and the mathematical relationships underlying radioactive decay. The course also covers real-world applications in medicine, energy, and radiometric dating, emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical problem-solving.
Course Units:
- Isotopes, binding energy, mass defect, mass-energy equivalence, strong and weak forces, and the
ratio.
- Isotopes, binding energy, mass defect, mass-energy equivalence, strong and weak forces, and the
- Alpha, beta, and gamma decay, decay equations, neutrinos, and penetration and ionization of radiation.
Radioactive Decay and Half-Life
- Activity, decay constant, exponential decay, half-life, and real-world examples of radioactive decay.
Energy Levels and Nuclear Stability
- Binding energy, nuclear energy levels, strong force stability, decay pathways, and energy release.
Applications of Radioactive Decay
- Measurement of activity, medical applications, radioactive dating, nuclear energy, and radiation safety.
This course is ideal for students interested in nuclear physics, medicine, energy, or environmental science, providing a strong foundation for advanced studies and careers in these fields.
This course examines the principles of nuclear reactions, their applications, and their role in the cosmos. Students will explore the mechanics of fission and fusion, the design and safety of nuclear power plants, and the life cycles of stars, from birth to their dramatic ends. The course connects the microcosm of nuclear processes to the macrocosm of stellar evolution, revealing how these forces shape the universe.
Course Units:
Fundamentals of Fission Reactions
- Fission reactions, chain reactions, nuclear power plant design, safety, and fission byproducts.
- Fusion processes, stellar equilibrium, star formation, and products of stellar fusion.
- Stellar mass, evolution stages, HR diagrams, stellar parallax, and radius calculations.
Death of Stars and Nucleosynthesis
- Low- and high-mass star deaths, supernovae, neutron stars, black holes, and nucleosynthesis.
Exploring the Universe through Fission, Fusion, and Stars
- Observational tools, energy from fission and fusion, galactic evolution, nuclear processes, and future technologies.
This course bridges nuclear physics and astrophysics, providing insights into both the mechanics of energy production and the grand narrative of the universe’s evolution.