Modern Physics

by Gary N. Felder, Kenny M. Felder

Overview

Modern Physics intertwines active learning pedagogy with the material typically covered in an introductory survey, from the basics of relativity and quantum mechanics through recent developments in particle physics and cosmology. The flexible approach taken by the authors allows instructors to easily incorporate as much or as little active learning into their teaching as they choose. Chapters are enhanced by 'Discovery' and 'Active Reading' exercises to guide students through key ideas before or during class, while 'ConcepTests' help check student understanding and stimulate classroom discussions. Each chapter also includes extensive assessment material, with a range of basic comprehension questions, drill and practice calculations, computer-based problems, and explorations of advanced applications. A test bank and interactive animations as well as other support for instructors and students are available online. Students are engaged by an accessible and lively writing style, thorough explanations, 'Math Interludes' which account for varying levels of skill and experience, and advanced topics to further pique their interest in physics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108842891
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/15/2022
Pages:	756
Product dimensions:	8.19(w) x 10.28(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

Gary Felder is a Professor of Physics at Smith College, Massachusetts. His research has focused on inflationary cosmology, numerical simulations and the development of computer and written tools for teaching physics concepts. In 2017 he received an SGA Faculty Teaching Award from Smith's Student Government Association in recognition of his excellent teaching and positive impact on the student body. His paper 'The Effects of Personality Type on Engineering Student Performance and Attitudes' received the American Society for Engineering Education 2003 'Best Paper of the Year' Award.

Kenny Felder has taught physics and math at Raleigh Charter High, North Carolina, for more than twenty years. He received his Bachelor's degree in Physics with highest honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His book Advanced Algebra II pioneered much of the active learning pedagogy included in this textbook and was described by the Connexions project at Rice University as 'a non-traditional approach to a very traditional subject' that makes 'the world of second-year algebra come alive.' He and Gary Felder also co-authored Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics (2016).

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Relativity I: Time, space, and motion; 2. Relativity II: dynamics; 3. The quantum revolution I: from light waves to photons; 4. The quantum revolution II: matter and wavefunctions; 5. The Schrödinger equation; 6. Unbound states; 7. The hydrogen atom; 8. Atoms; 9. Molecules; 10. Statistical mechanics; 11. Solids; 12. The atomic nucleus; 13. Particle physics; 14. Cosmology; Appendices; Index.

Editorial Reviews

‘Finally, a textbook with more than just formulas and details: clear and easy-to-understand explanations which guide the newcomer to a real intuitive understanding. Felder and Felder share the fun and wonder of learning about the mind-bending notions of modern physics with an enthusiasm that jumps off the page.’ Daniel Whiteson, University of California, Irvine

‘An excellent example of how to apply current physics education research. The textbook covers all the usual material you’d expect for a modern physics course, but presented in a more organic fashion. Each topic is built from a conceptual basis first, with simple examples, and then the mathematics are brought in to complete the discussion. I feel students will achieve a much deeper understanding using this text, and look forward to teaching with it.’ Susan A. DiFranzo, Hudson Valley Community College

‘Felder and Felder is suitable for a variety of teaching styles, from active learning to more traditional lecture-based classes, and everything in between. The authors give simple, intuitive explanations of topics that are challenging to students whose exposure to physics is limited to introductory-level college courses. It has the welcomed feature of discussing some really modern physics like molecular, nuclear, and particle physics and cosmology.’ Paulo Bedaque, University of Maryland

‘Felder and Felder’s Modern Physics is by far the most student-centered comprehensive modern physics text I’ve seen. The text places strong emphasis not just on solving problems but on helping students understand the meaning of the solutions. The authors provide gentle but thorough introductions to useful mathematical techniques beyond differentiation and integration that students will undoubtedly find very useful in their intermediate-level physics studies. Active learning is well integrated into the text in the form of Discovery Exercises and Active Reading Exercises; assessment is also integrated through Quick Check and Conceptests. Readers will find a broad range of useful tools on the book’s website, and the text is sufficiently modular to allow instructors and lifelong learners to select portions of chapters in which they’re most interested for detailed study. I highly recommend this text.’ Daniel Fleisch, Wittenberg University

‘Modern Physics by Felder & Felder is an ideal textbook for introducing science and engineering students to the origins and frontiers of modern physics research. It covers all of the important material at an appropriate level of mathematical rigor, using a conversational plain-language style that has not been achieved in other books. The exercises and problems are well placed and carefully worded to provoke conversation and inquiry.’ Jim Napolitano, Temple University

‘… will soon become the standard reference for first year teaching.’ Kymani Armstrong-Williams, Physics Book Reviewer

‘I have found the book to be extremely well written and, in my opinion, the best modern physics textbook on the market currently.’ Nicholas Nelson, California State University Chico

From the Publisher