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PHY202Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Modern Physics I

This course introduces the properties and structure of the atomic nucleus. It covers basic nuclear properties, binding energy, nuclear models, and radioactivity. The course also discusses radioactive decay series and the processes by which nuclei decay. It explores the Bohr's model of the hydrogen atom, the Pauli Exclusion Principle, and the production of X-rays.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Atomic StructureNuclear PhysicsRadioactivityQuantum MechanicsSpectra

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Atomic Structure

2

Atomic Models

3

Mass Spectrometry

4

Hydrogen Spectra

5

Nuclear Physics

6

Radioactivity

7

Wave-Particle Duality

8

Electronic Configuration

9

X-Ray Spectra

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Medical Physicist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Nuclear Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Radiation Protection Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Materials Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HealthcareEnergyManufacturingResearchEnvironmental Monitoring

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Basic structure of an atom and atomic models

2h

Unit 1: The atom, its structure and charge quantization

2 study hours
  • •Define an atom and its constituents.
  • •Explain the structure of an atom and the location of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
  • •Understand the concept of charge quantization and its implications.
Week
2

Module 1: Basic structure of an atom and atomic models

2h

Unit 2: Mass spectra

2 study hours
  • •Explain mass spectra and its principle of operation.
  • •Define isotopes and calculate the relative abundance of isotopes.
  • •Calculate the relative atomic masses of elements using mass spectrometry data.
Week
3

Module 1: Basic structure of an atom and atomic models

2h

Unit 3: Atomic models

2 study hours
  • •Describe the various atomic models, including J.J. Thomson's plum pudding model and Rutherford's model.
  • •Compare and contrast the different atomic models.
  • •Understand the historical development of atomic theory.
Week
4

Module 1: Basic structure of an atom and atomic models

2h

Unit 4: Bohr's model of an atom

2 study hours
  • •Outline Bohr's theory of the hydrogen atom.
  • •Explain the concept of allowed orbits and energy levels.
  • •Understand the Planck's energy equation and its application to atomic transitions.
Week
5

Module 1: Basic structure of an atom and atomic models

2h

Unit 5: Hydrogen Spectra

2 study hours
  • •Calculate the energy of any given orbit and the transition energy.
  • •Understand the concept of hydrogen spectra and spectral lines.
  • •Solve problems related to energy transitions and wavelengths of emitted radiation.
Week
6

Module 2: Structure of the nucleus and electronic configuration

2h

Unit 6: Magnetic Moment

2 study hours
  • •Explain magnetic dipole moment and its significance.
  • •Define angular momentum of an atom and its relationship to allowed orbits.
  • •Understand the concept of moment of momentum.
Week
7

Module 2: Structure of the nucleus and electronic configuration

2h

Unit 7: Electron Spin

2 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of electron spin and its quantum number.
  • •Explain how electron spin contributes to the magnetic properties of atoms.
  • •Differentiate between spin up and spin down states.
Week
8

Module 2: Structure of the nucleus and electronic configuration

2h

Unit 8: Pauli Exclusion Principle

2 study hours
  • •State the Pauli Exclusion Principle and its implications for electronic configuration.
  • •Explain Hund's rule and its role in filling degenerate orbitals.
  • •Write the electronic structure of elements using the aufbau method.
Week
9

Module 2: Structure of the nucleus and electronic configuration

2h

Unit 9: X – Spectra

2 study hours
  • •Describe the modes of X-ray production.
  • •Understand the energy spectra of X-rays and the factors affecting their quality.
  • •Explain the origin of K-series and other X-ray spectral lines.
Week
10

Module 2: Structure of the nucleus and electronic configuration

2h

Unit 10: Wave – Particle Duality

2 study hours
  • •Explain the concept of wave-particle duality of matter.
  • •Understand De Broglie's equation and its significance.
  • •List the particle and wave properties of matter.
Week
11

Module 3: Radioactivity and binding energy of nuclei

2h

Unit 11: Nuclear Structure

2 study hours
  • •Define binding energy, mass defect and atomic mass unit.
  • •Calculate the binding energy of the nucleus in joules and electronvolts.
  • •Determine the mass defect of a nucleus.
Week
12

Module 3: Radioactivity and binding energy of nuclei

4h

Unit 12: Nuclear Stability

2 study hours
  • •Explain what makes a nucleus stable or unstable.
  • •List the properties of stable and unstable nuclei.
  • •Describe how nuclei acquire stability.

Unit 13: Radioactivity

2 study hours
  • •Explain what is meant by radioactivity.
  • •State the fundamental radioactive decay law.
  • •Explain what is half-life and calculate the half-life of radioactive elements.
Week
13

Module 3: Radioactivity and binding energy of nuclei

4h

Unit 14: Radioactive series

2 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of radioactive decay series.
  • •Identify the types of particles emitted in radioactive decay.
  • •Explain why nuclei undergo radioactivity.

Unit 15: Accelerators and detectors

2 study hours
  • •Describe the principles of operation of accelerators and detectors.
  • •List different types of accelerators and detectors.
  • •State one important use of accelerators.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit objectives and summaries to reinforce key concepts.

2

Practice solving numerical problems from Units 5, 11, and 13 related to spectra, binding energy, and radioactivity.

3

Create concept maps linking Units 1-5 atomic structure concepts.

4

Focus on understanding the underlying principles of each atomic model (Units 3-4) and their limitations.

5

Review electronic configurations (Unit 8) and X-ray production mechanisms (Unit 9).

6

Study the radioactive decay law (Unit 13) and practice half-life calculations.

7

Understand the principles of accelerators and detectors (Unit 15) and their applications.

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