Studying at the University of Verona
Here you can find information on the organisational aspects of the Programme, lecture timetables, learning activities and useful contact details for your time at the University, from enrolment to graduation.
Study Plan
This information is intended exclusively for students already enrolled in this course.If you are a new student interested in enrolling, you can find information about the course of study on the course page:
Laurea magistrale in Mathematics - Enrollment from 2025/2026The Study Plan includes all modules, teaching and learning activities that each student will need to undertake during their time at the University.
Please select your Study Plan based on your enrollment year.
1° Year
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| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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1 module between the following (a.a. 2022/23 Computational Algebra not activated; a.a. 2023/24 Homological Algebra not activated)1 module between the following 3 modules among the followingLegend | Type of training activity (TTA)
TAF (Type of Educational Activity) All courses and activities are classified into different types of educational activities, indicated by a letter.
Modern physics (2022/2023)
Teaching code
4S001446
Teacher
Coordinator
Credits
6
Language
English
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS
Period
Semester 1 dal Oct 3, 2022 al Jan 27, 2023.
Learning objectives
Aim of this course is to introduce the basic concepts of the Special Theory of Relativity and of Quantum Mechanics and their application to Atomic and Nuclear Physics, to enable students to project and develop teaching activities on these subjects at high-school. A part of the course will also be devoted to cover basic and advanced concepts of Thermodynamics. Students should have knowledge of the status of Physics at the end of the 19th century, namely Newton’s laws of motion and theory of universal gravitation, laws of electricity and magnetism as described by Maxwell equations, theory and properties of electromagnetic waves.
Prerequisites and basic notions
This is an advanced course. Knowledge of the laws of Newtonian dynamics and electromagnetism including Maxwell equations and electromagnetic waves are essential prerequisites.
Program
THE SPECIAL THEORY OF RELATIVITY
- postulates of Galilean relativity; Galilean velocity transformation equations
- experimental results on the constancy of light speed
- non-Galilean invariance of Maxwell equations
- the Michelson-Morley experiment
- postulate of the special theory of relativity
- Lorentz space-time transformations
- time dilation, simultaniety and causality, length contraction, space-time paradoxes
- relativistic dynamics: linear momentum, kinetic energy, mass-energy equivalence
- space-time quadrivectors
THERMODYNAMICS
- the Zeroth law: thermal and thermodynamic equilibrium; thermodynamic processes; empirical temperature; temperature scales
- the First law: work, heat,internal energy
- the Second law: Kelvin-Planck and Clausius statements; equivalence of Kelvin-Planck and Clausius statements; Carnot’s theorem; Carnot cycle; absolute thermodynamic temperature; Clausius theorem; entropy and energy degradation
- the Second law: microscopic approach; basic concepts of statistical mechanics; negative absolute temperatures; violation of the Kelvin-Planck statement
- the Second law: order and disorder
- the Third law
- the ideal gas: ideal gas law; ideal gas processes: isobaric, isochoric, isothermal and adiabatic processes; Carnot cycle for the ideal gas
QUANTUM PHYSICS
- blackbody radiation and the Planck hypothesis, the photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, particle-like nature of electromagnetic waves, atomic spectra of gases, Bohr’s model of Hydrogen atom, the Stern-Gerlach experiment, intrinsic angular momentum and spin, the exclusion principle and the periodic table, wave-like nature of particles, the De Broglie hypothesis, the Davisson-Germer experiment
- introduction to atomic and nuclear physics
- wave-particle duality, uncertainty principle, wave mechanics
- spin, Pauli principle
- Schroedinger equation, atomic orbitals
Bibliography
Didactic methods
The course is entirely held in English at the blackboard and using slides that will be made available on the Moodle website. No streaming and no registration, unless otherwise indicated by the central bodies or by the teaching committee.
Learning assessment procedures
Assessment of student achievements will be performed through an oral discussion (either in English or in Italian, at student's choice) after a written examination (in English) including brief exercises and open questions focused on the subjects treated in the course also with reference to introducing and planning learning paths about the physical phenomena object of the course.
Students should demonstrate that:
- they have understood and are able to critically discuss concepts and knots related to the physical phenomena object of the course
- they are able to use a correct, appropriate and rigorous language
- they are able to introduce and plan learning paths on the physical phenomena object of the course
Exam modality could be modified depending on the coronavirus emergency.
Evaluation criteria
Familiarity with the physical concepts concerning the treated arguments. Property of language. Ability in understanding the questions. Ability to synthesize in the answers.
Criteria for the composition of the final grade
A sufficient mark is required in each one of the three arguments (relativity, thermodynamics, quantum physics). The final grade is obtained from the average of the three marks.
Exam language
Inglese
