Book Summary of Principles of Modern Physics Principles of Modern Physics, divided into nineteen chapters, begins with quantum ideas followed by discussions on special relativity, atomic structure and basic quantum mechanics, hydrogen atom (solution of the Schrödinger equation) and periodic table, the three statistical distributions, X-rays, physics of solids, imperfections in crystals, magnetic properties of materials, superconductivity, Zeeman-, Stark- and Paschen Back effects and Lasers, nuclear physics (Yukawa’s theory and various nuclear models) radioactivity and nuclear reactions, nuclear fusion, fission and plasma, particle accelerators and detectors, the universe elementary particles (classification, eightfold way and quark model, standard model, fundamental interactions) and cosmic rays.
New To The Third Edition: • Bose-Einsten condensation • Gamow’s theory of alpha decay • Fermi’s theory of beta decay • Gamma decay • Classification of galaxies, CMBR and dark matter • Hubble’s constant and the future of the universe • Parity violation in muon decay • Fundamental particles • Cosmic ray showers (types and cascade theory) • Nature and composition and origin of cosmic rays • Effect of geomagnetic field and time variation of cosmic rays. Key Features • Offers students a conceptual development of basic principles of modern physics. • Mathematical steps provided to elucidate physical concepts. • Examples given for a better understanding of the subject. Table of Contents • Preface to the Third Edition • Preface to the First Edition • Acknowledgements • Onset of the ‘Quantum’ Hypothesis • Relativistic Mechanics • Atomic Structure and Spectra • The Basic Quantum Mechanics • Hydrogen Atom and Periodic Table • Statistical Mechanics (An Introduction) • X-Rays • Physics of Solids • Imperfections in Crystals • Magnetic Properties of Materials • Superconductivity • Interaction of Atoms with External Fields and Radiation • Nuclear Physics • Radioactivity and Nuclear Reactions • Nuclear Fission and Fusion • Accelerators and Detectors of Elementary Particles • The Universe • Elementary Particles • Cosmic Rays • Appendices • References • Exercises • Index.