Modern Physics

---

Book Summary:

This comprehensive and well-written book provides a thorough understanding of the principles of modern physics, their relations, and their applications. Most of the developments in physics that took place during the twentieth century are called 'modern'-something to be treated differently from the 'classical' physics.

This book offers a detailed presentation of a wide range of interesting topics, starting from the special theory of relativity, basics of quantum mechanics, atomic physics, spectroscopic studies of molecular structures, solid state physics, and proceeding all the way to exciting areas such as lasers, fibre optics and holography. An in-depth treatment of the different aspects of nuclear physics focuses on nuclear properties, nuclear models, fission, fusion, particle accelerators and detectors. The book concludes with a chapter on elementary interactions, symmetries, conservation laws, the quark model and the grand unified theory.

Clear and readable, this book is eminently suitable as a text for B.Sc. (physics) course.

Some of the special features that distinguish this text are:

Worked-out examples representing typical problems consolidate the student's comprehension of the basic theory.
Review questions at the end of each chapter facilitate easy recognition of particular physics concepts and build confidence.
End-of-chapter problems with answers, from the simple plug-ins to increasing order of difficulty, strengthen the student's problem-solving ability.

Table of Contents:

Preface.

1. The Special Theory of Relativity.
2. Particle Nature of Radiation.
3. Atomic Models.
4. Wave Mechanical Concepts.
5. General Principles of Quantum Mechanics.
6. Quantum Mechanics of Simple Systems.
7. Atomic Physics.
8. Statistical Physics.
9. Molecular Spectra.
10. Crystal Structure and Bonding.
11. Lattice Dynamics.
12. Band Theory of Solids.
13. Magnetic Properties of Solids.
14. Superconductivity.
15. Lasers.
16. Fibre Optics and Holography.
17. Nuclear Properties.
18. Radioactive Decay.
19. Nuclear Reactions.
20. Nuclear Radiation Detectors and Particle Accelerators.
21. Elementary Particles.

Appendices-
A. Units and Physical Constants.
B. Some Useful Integrals.
C. Molecular Orbitals.
D. Cosmic Rays.
E. Feynman Diagram.

Bibliography.

Answers to Problems.

Index.