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PHY3101

Introduction to Modern Physics - Spring 2007

Lectures: MWF 9:35 am - 10:25 am (period 3), at NPB 1002

Instructor: Steven Detweiler ; NPB 2071; Email: det@ufl.edu

Office hours: WThF 10:40 am – 11:35 pm (period 4), at NPB 2071

Textbook: Modern Physics (4th Ed): Paul A. Tipler and Ralph A. Llewellyn (Freeman)


ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The rules for the final exam are identical to the rules for the second test: You are allowed to bring in with you the textbook, a calculator, any notes written in your own handwriting, copies of homework assignments and previous tests in this course and in this semester. But specifically, you are not allowed to bring in copies of the solutions to the homework problems or solutions of any previous test questions. To summarize, anything written in your handwriting is okay. Anything printed or copied is not okay, with the exception of the textbook and questions only from homework and tests which are okay. Any solutions that I (or others) have written are not okay.

The final exam will consist of 20 multiple choice problems, worth 1 point each, and 6 short-answer questions worth 10 points each.

Chapter 14, on Astrophysics and Cosmology, is available on the Handouts and Notes link on the left.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS THAT WERE DISCUSSED IN CLASS:
There are twenty multiple choice questions, each worth 1 point, and six short-answer questions each worth 10 points.

To study, I suggest that you look primarily at the assigned homework problems and the examples done in class.

There were a few different subjects that were covered in a descriptive fashion in class. These include cosmology, fundamentals of quantum mechanics and information content of wave packets, among others. There were few, if any, homework problems on these subjects---Now, reread the previous paragraph.

The make-up exam is not publicly available. Sorry about this; I explained the reasons in class.

The final exam is cumulative.

The instructions on the first page of the short answer questions:
    An algebraic answer must be simplified to be considered correct.
    Correct units must be given for a numerical answer to be correct.
    Be neat, and circle your answer.
    Do algebra with letters, then substitute in numbers.
    An incorrect answer, with no algebra in evidence, gets no partial credit.
    Give numerical answers to at least two significant figures.
    A speed may be given as a fraction of c.

I expect to assign B+, C+ and D+ grades, but the cutoffs for these grades will not be determined until after all of the final exams have been graded.

With unanimous agreement, the grading scheme in this course is being changed to
    2 tests each 40 pts
    1 final 80 pts
    homework 50 pts
    Maximum 210
    lowest A 170
    lowest B 125
    lowest C 80

OUTLINE (Tentative):

5/03:  Final exam; group 3E on Thursday, May 3, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm in the usual lecture room.