Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Problem Set #6, David Peak

Problems

3D, 1-particle systems

Problem Set #3, David Peak

Problems

Comparing classical electromagnetic waves with photon probability waves.

Problem 1 refers to: A standing electric field wave (one with lots of photons) in a quantum wire stretching between x = 0 and x = L is described by E(x,t)=E_maxsin(3πx/L)cos(3πct/L). Let L = 900 nm.

Problem Set #1, David Peak

Problems

A little E&M practice

Problems 1-2 refer to: The electric field in a laser beam is given by E( x,t) = (1000V/m)sin[(πx10⁷rad/m) x + (3πx10¹⁵rad/s)t].

Problem Set #7, David Peak

Problems

Atom stuff

Problem Set #8, David Peak

Problems

A bit of stat mech

Problems 1-3 refer to: N identical, noninteracting, and distinguishable spin-1/2 particles (i.e., their separation is much greater than their de Broglie wavelength) are placed in an external magnetic field. Assume the ground state energy of one such particle is 0 and the excited state energy is ε , and the system is in thermal equilibrium at temperature T.

Problem Set #5, David Peak

Problems

Expectations & 1D finite wells

Problem Set #2, David Peak

Problems

A little energy and momentum practice (and units)

Problems 1-2 deal with “rest” energy and relativity.

Problem Set #9, David Peak

Problems

Another bit of stat mech

Problems 1-3 refer to: N identical, noninteracting, and distinguishable quantum harmonic oscillators (i.e., their separation is much greater than their de Broglie wavelength) are in thermal equilibrium at temperature T. The energy of each oscillator can be expressed as ε_n = nε , where ε is the level spacing and n = 0, 1, 2, … .

Schrödinger, 2, David Peak

Schrodinger

The finite square well

The infinite square well potential energy rigorously restricts the associated wavefunction to an exact region of space: it is infinitely “hard.” Potential energies encountered in more realistic physical scenarios are “softer” in that they permit wavefunctions to spread throughout less well-defined regions. An important toy example of the latter is the finite square well. In this problem, the potential energy function is U(x) = 0, if 0 < x < L, and U₀ otherwise.

Schrödinger, 3, David Peak

Schrodinger

The 3D infinite square well: quantum dots, wells, and wires

In the preceding discussion of the Schrödinger Equation the particle of interest was assumed to be “moving in the x -direction.” Of course, it is not possible for a particle to be moving in one spatial direction only. If that were true, according to the HUP it could be anywhere in the y - and z -directions and therefore be undetectable with finite volume detectors. Now, we consider the more realistic case of motion in all three spatial directions. For this purpose, we start with the 3D infinite square well. …

Schrödinger, 1, David Peak

Schrodinger

The Schrödinger equation: the quantum description of one massive, slow-moving particle

To establish a probability wave equation for one photon, it was useful to note that probability density and electromagnetic energy density were proportional. The governing equation for EM radiation fields is the Maxwell wave equation, which is also the governing equation for photon probability wave functions. Converting from EM radiation to photon information is made plausible by identifying energy and momentum operators with time- and space-derivatives, respectively. Thus, the Maxwell wave equation can be interpreted as being equivalent to the energy-momentum relation for photons. Though we don’t have a …

Schrödinger, 5, David Peak

Schrodinger

Transitions

Schrödinger, 4, David Peak

Schrodinger

The sanitized hydrogen atom: separating the variables

Separation of variables in the Schrödinger Equation for the hydrogen problem requires expressing Ψ as a product, Ψ(r,θ,φ,t) = R(r)Θ(θ )Φ(φ)T(t) , substituting into the partial differential equation [(5) in Sc3], and then dividing by Ψ. As in the square well problems, the separation constant for the t part of the separation is the particle’s eigen-energy, E.

Physics 2710: Introductory Modern Physics, David Peak

Syllabus

No abstract provided.

Foundations, 2, David Peak

Foundations

The double slit experiment in dim light – photons!

Let’s imagine doing the double slit experiment again, but now in very dim light. To do so requires putting the laser, plate, and collector in a sealed, light-tight box. Inserting neutral density filters in the beam between the laser and the double slit plate decreases the intensity of the beam striking the plate. In fact, the experiment can be done at such a low intensity that a human eye will not see any light on the CCD collector; but the CCD can. Under these conditions, the number of pixels that “light …

Many-Particle Systems, 10, David Peak

Many Particles

Intrinsic semiconductors

Intrinsic semiconductors have negligible concentrations of impurity atoms. Their electrical conductivity arises primarily from electrons excited into the otherwise empty conduction band from the otherwise filled valence band—usually by absorbing sufficient energy from phonons at finite temperature. Exciting an electron into the conduction band leaves a vacant state in the valence band. An electron at lower energy in the valence band can fill this vacant state. That, in turn, makes available a possible state for yet another valence band electron to fill. In other words, the excitation of the electron provides a mobile charge in the conduction band …

Developing A Location Detector Using Acoustical Energy Quantities, Jacey Young

Student Works

In this paper, development through the use of LabVIEW for an acoustical energy quantity detector is discussed. This detector uses the quantity of sound intensity to locate the direction of a sound source in three dimensional space with relation to the center of a spherical microphone probe placed directly under a web camera. The direction and the magnitude of the sound intensity are then used to generate an arrow pointing in the direction of the sound source and position it on top the web camera's image of the surrounding area. These quantities are then also used to highlight an area …

Using Page Method In The Two Point Method To Determine Sound Power, Christopher Reynolds

Student Works

Sound power is the energy emitted by a sound source per unit time. It is commonly used by industries to determine the noise (unwanted sound) of machinery. There are multiple recognized standards for determining the sound power of a source. The requirements for the ISO3741 standard are tedious and strict but can produce a low standard of deviation in the results. There is another method, the Two Point method, which less strict than the standards but the standard of deviation in the results vary. This paper discusses the performance of the PAGE method employed in the Two Point method to …

Inverse Kinematics Proton Scattering Of P41, Benjamin R. Klybor

Physics and Astronomy Summer Fellows

We have measured the gamma-ray spectrum of P41 using proton scattering in inverse kinematics with the NSCL/Ursinus College liquid hydrogen target and the GRETINA gamma-ray tracking array. We present preliminary results, including gamma-ray intensities and branching ratios.

Comparing Experts And Novices In Solving Electrical Circuit Problems With The Help Of Eye-Tracking, David Rosengrant, Colin Thomson, Taha Mzoughi

David Rosengrant

In order to help introductory physics students understand and learn to solve problems with circuits, we must first understand how they differ from experts. This preliminary study focuses on problem-solving dealing with electrical circuits. We investigate difficulties novices have with circuits and compare their work with those of experts. We incorporate the use of an eye-tracker to investigate any possible differences or similarities on how experts and novices solve electrical circuit problems. Our results show similarities in gaze patterns among all subjects on the components of the circuit. We further found that experts would look back at the circuit while …

Pre-Service Physics Teachers And Physics Education Research, David Rosengrant

David Rosengrant

Training pre-service teachers requires, among other things, content knowledge, pedagogical skills and pedagogical content knowledge. Teacher preparation programs have little, if any spare time to add more courses/activities to their program. However, I argue in this paper that we, as educators, must enhance the amount of physics education research in our pre-service physics teacher training programs. In this study, I analyze the results of two different types of exposure to physics education research (PER) from two different groups of pre-service physics teachers in our masters of arts and teaching program. The preliminary results show, for example that the PER helped …

Shakespeare, A Supernova, And A Little Green Man Walk Into A Mathematics Classroom, Sheila Kirstin Miller

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Creativity amidst constraints is a hallmark of the STEM researcher. It is precisely what is required to see what has never been seen. It is also at the core of creative mathematics, more commonly called “research”. We in the 21^st century tell ourselves that science and story are separate enterprises. One goal of this article is to tell parts of the human story—featuring Shakespeare, Tycho Brahe, visiting stars, Little Green Men, and modern astrophysics—that might erode belief in that duality and illustrate why dissolving the artificial barriers between talents within individuals is to the benefit of ourselves, our students, …

Principles Of Physics Ii Lab (Clayton), Tatiana Krivosheev, Caroline Sheppard, Patricia Todebush, Bram Boroson, Justin Mays

Physics and Astronomy Grants Collections

This Grants Collection for Principles of Physics I was created under a Round Three ALG Textbook Transformation Grant.

Affordable Learning Georgia Grants Collections are intended to provide faculty with the frameworks to quickly implement or revise the same materials as a Textbook Transformation Grants team, along with the aims and lessons learned from project teams during the implementation process.

Documents are in .pdf format, with a separate .docx (Word) version available for download. Each collection contains the following materials:

• Linked Syllabus
• Initial Proposal
• Final Report

Principles Of Physics I Lab (Clayton), Tatiana Krivosheev, Caroline Sheppard, Patricia Todebush, Bram Boroson, Justin Mays

Physics and Astronomy Grants Collections

This Grants Collection for Principles of Physics I was created under a Round Three ALG Textbook Transformation Grant.

Affordable Learning Georgia Grants Collections are intended to provide faculty with the frameworks to quickly implement or revise the same materials as a Textbook Transformation Grants team, along with the aims and lessons learned from project teams during the implementation process.

Documents are in .pdf format, with a separate .docx (Word) version available for download. Each collection contains the following materials:

• Linked Syllabus
• Initial Proposal
• Final Report

College Of Science And Mathematics Newsletter, Summer 2017, College Of Science And Mathematics, Wright State University

College of Science and Mathematics Newsletters

This 7 page newsletter discusses various happenings within the College of Science and Mathematics. It begins with a letter from the dean, and continues on with news, events, alumni news, and other community news.

Principles Of Physics Ii Lab (Jupyter), Tatiana Krivosheev, Caroline Sheppard, Patricia Todebush, Bram Boroson, Justin Mays

Physics and Astronomy Ancillary Materials

This collection of open laboratory materials for Principles of Physics II was created under a Round Four ALG Textbook Transformation Grant. These materials require the open source Jupyter application.

Affordable Learning Georgia Grants Collections are intended to provide faculty with the frameworks to quickly implement or revise the same materials as a Textbook Transformation Grants team, along with the aims and lessons learned from project teams during the implementation process.

Principles Of Physics I Lab (Jupyter), Tatiana Krivosheev, Caroline Sheppard, Patricia Todebush, Bram Boroson, Justin Mays

Physics and Astronomy Ancillary Materials

This collection of open laboratory materials for Principles of Physics I was created under a Round Four ALG Textbook Transformation Grant. These materials require the open source Jupyter application.

Affordable Learning Georgia Grants Collections are intended to provide faculty with the frameworks to quickly implement or revise the same materials as a Textbook Transformation Grants team, along with the aims and lessons learned from project teams during the implementation process.

Operating Temperature Of A Solar Thermal Stirling Engine, Spencer Beck

Senior Theses

This paper explores the relationship between the operating temperature and electricity production of a simple heat engine. A Stirling engine was designed and constructed which runs on solar thermal energy collected by a Fresnel lens. The surface area of the solar collector was varied. This manipulated the operating temperature of the Stirling engine in order to measure power output. The mechanical energy from the engine was converted to electricity using a DC motor running in reverse, acting like a generator, in conjunction with an Arduino for data collection. Although adjustments must be made in order to improve the efficiency of …

Are Solar Panels A Viable Power Source For A Green Energy Vehicle?, Mason C. Adams

Senior Theses

A solar cell powered go-kart has been built and tested. The result shows using solar energy alone cannot meet the requirement of running a regular passenger car. This is due to the limited surface area of the passenger car. This thesis also discusses the operating principles of solar panels, the physics of P type and N type semiconductors, and the formation of the PN junction, as well as the solar current. Modifications of an existing go-kart are described in detail in this thesis. Suggestions for making green vehicles are discussed as well.

Thin Film Thermal Deposition At Various Pressures, James Kela Yee Keen Grace

Senior Theses

This research was to verify the hypothesis that resistivity of metal's thin film deposited in a low-pressure environment is the same as its solid material. Thermal Evaporation is a thin film deposition technique in which metal inside a vacuum is evaporated, then deposited onto a surface. Higher quality metal films are deposited when the vacuum pressure is lower. At higher pressures, more air molecules are trapped within the layers of metal, thus increasing scattering sites and increasing the resistance. However, reaching a lower pressure requires more time and effort. In this research, films were deposited at various pressures and resistivities …