Modern Physics

Objectives

1. Convert units
2. Use dimensional analysis to solve problems
3. Use the concepts of space-time interval, time dilation and length contraction in concrete numerical problems.
4. Apply the concepts of moment-energy, invariance of mass and mass of a system to numerical problems
5. Represent events in a space-time diagram
6. Recognize the probabilistic nature of quantum physics
7. Explain the interaction of radiation with matter using the notions of photon and energy levels
8. Exemplify the principle of indiscernibility and the incompatible (or combined) observables in interference experiences
9. Describe the quantum state, state overlap and quantum entanglement
10. Exemplify the concept of quantum bit (qubit) and its use in quantum computing
11. Describe the nuclear structure, the standard model of elementary particles and their interactions.
12. Describe the various moments of the expanding universe using the standard cosmological model
13. Develop a critical sense in relation to the results of numerical problems

Program

1. Units and Dimensional Analysis.
2. Special relativity: inertial references
3. Quantum Physics and Applications to Quantum Informatics
4. Nucleus and Elementary Particles
5. Cosmology

Bibliography

• D.J. Griffiths, Revolutions in Twentietth-Century Physics, Cambridge University Press (2013)
• C. Bernhardt, Quantum Computing for Everyone, MIT Press (2019)
• V. Scarani, Six Quantum Pieces - A First Course in Quantum Physics, World Scientific (2010)
• R.M. Ribeiro, Introdução à Física Contemporânea, Moinho Velho - Loja Edição, Lda. (2010)
• E. F. Taylor, J. A. Wheeler, Spacetime Physics, W. H. Freeman and Co., Second edition (1992).