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Essential Modern Physics Study Guide Workbook
DESCRIPTION: This combination of study guide and workbook covers the following essential topics from modern physics:
special relativity (concepts and mathematics)
blackbody radiation (in-depth coverage)
the photoelectric effect (concepts and equations)
Schrödinger’s equation (thorough solutions to the most basic problems: the step potential, barrier potential, and square well)
the Compton effect (including the derivation)
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle (in terms of momentum and also energy)
the de Broglie relation (and related formulas)
Bohr’s model of the atom (includes dozens of equations)
LEVEL: The student should know derivatives and integrals from a standard calculus course, and should have already studied first-year physics (Newton’s laws, conservation of energy, E&M, and waves). Chapter 12 provides a concise review of essential skills from a course on differential equations, and there is a little bit of math with complex numbers (mostly, finding the complex conjugate as it relates to Schrödinger’s equation).
FORMAT: This study guide workbook focuses on essential concepts, formulas, and problem-solving skills: Fully-solved examples with explanations show you how to apply standard problem-solving techniques. Handy charts tabulate the symbols, what they mean, and their SI units. Problem-solving strategies are broken down into steps and illustrated with examples. Essential terms and concepts are defined and explained. Each chapter includes a variety of practice problems. The paperback edition includes space to solve the problems in the workbook. The full solution to every practice problem can be found at the back of the book. AUTHOR: The author, Dr. Chris McMullen, has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana (and has also taught physics to gifted high school students). He has also published a half-dozen papers on the collider phenomenology of superstring-inspired large extra dimensions. Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in particle physics from Oklahoma State University (and his M.S. in physics from California State University, Northridge).
Dr. McMullen is well-known for: engaging physics students in challenging ideas through creativity breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
FORMAT: This study guide workbook focuses on essential concepts, formulas, and problem-solving skills: Fully-solved examples with explanations show you how to apply standard problem-solving techniques. Handy charts tabulate the symbols, what they mean, and their SI units. Problem-solving strategies are broken down into steps and illustrated with examples. Essential terms and concepts are defined and explained. Each chapter includes a variety of practice problems. The paperback edition includes space to solve the problems in the workbook. The full solution to every practice problem can be found at the back of the book. AUTHOR: The author, Dr. Chris McMullen, has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana (and has also taught physics to gifted high school students). He has also published a half-dozen papers on the collider phenomenology of superstring-inspired large extra dimensions. Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in particle physics from Oklahoma State University (and his M.S. in physics from California State University, Northridge).
Dr. McMullen is well-known for: engaging physics students in challenging ideas through creativity breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
- GenresPhysics
294 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2019
85 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Chris McMullen
181 books323 followersDr. Chris McMullen has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Dr. McMullen is also an author of math and science books. Whether in the classroom or as a writer, Dr. McMullen loves sharing knowledge and the art of motivating and engaging students.
Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.
Dr. McMullen is well-known for:
• engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity
• breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
• providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
• his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
• helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks.
Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.
Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions.
In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.
Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.
Dr. McMullen is well-known for:
• engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity
• breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
• providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
• his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
• helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks.
Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.
Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions.
In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 4, 2019
A great study tool. Good summary of definitions and explanations. If you are studying physics, or looking to refresh yourself, this is a great choice.
February 9, 2020
Won on Goodreads. This was entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews