Physics 261, General Physics III
UMass-Amherst Physics Department
Spring, 2006
Instructor: Prof. A. Dinsmore(E-mail and research website links)
REVIEW SESSION MONDAY, 5/22 AT 4:30-6:00 PM, HAS 109. Please come with questions.
Solutions for written HW#3 are posted on the 'Homework' page.
Information on the final exam is posted to the 'Quizzes & Exams' page.
The solutions of the second midterm are posted online here.

Course Policies and Syllabus

Lecture schedules: #1-20, #21-end.

Lecture Notes (login needed)

Protected Page

Homework (OWL)

Quizzes & Exams

Web resources

Overview: Waves & Modern Physics

Hold mouse on image for description; click on image for more details.

Physics 261 presents an overview of wave mechanics and modern physics, including quantum mechanics and special relativity. We begin with basic wave mechanics, using mechanical waves as examples. We then move to electromagnetic waves. We then discuss special relativity, including mass-energy equivalence, time dilation, and length contraction. In the second half of the course, we cover quantum mechanics, using our knowledge of wave mechanics to analyze the hydrogen atom, the electron in a box and other fundamental problems. We also consider a number of important topics in atomic physics, solid state physics and chemistry.

Course requirements and policies

The policies and requirements are described at the link above.

Where to go for help

• Office hours in Hasbrouck 404:
  • Monday, after lecture (1:15-2:15)
  • Wednesday, after lecture (1:15-2:15)
  • or by appointment (e-mail or telephone Prof. Dinsmore at 545-3786).
• Supplementary Instruction (SI). Luke Miller is the SI leader for this course. SI provides "informal, peer-facilitated review seminars for a particular course." Sessions are regularly scheduled and attendance is voluntary and confidential.

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A. Dinsmore, May 2006