A Modern Introduction to Physics

Physics 247

Physics 247-248-249 is a new approach to studying introductory physics.  Over the next three semesters, you will learn about almost every major area of physics.  These include condensed matter, particle, astro, plasma, atomic, nuclear, and biophysics – and the list is growing.  We will build up to these topics in a different way than most traditional courses do.  We will introduce modern concepts as soon as possible, rather than following a purely historical development.  We think this order makes pedagogical sense for physics majors, and it means you will learn modern physics in parallel with, rather than after, classical physics.  Of course, we will still discuss the famous original experiments in many areas of physics.

 

The topics we will cover in the first semester are a mix of modern and classical: Kinematics: how things move in the absence of forces. Kinematics in special relativity: kinematics at high speed. Dynamics: how things move in the presence of forces.  Dynamics in special relativity: dynamics at high speed. Momentum, angular momentum, and energy: three things that are often conserved, and are therefore quite useful. Hooke’s law: how springs work. Friction: well, most of us think we know what this is. Static equilibrium: the forces on a stationary object. Newtonian gravitation: gravity for moderately massive objects.

 

Physics 247-248-249 is an introduction to the whole of physics. Although we cannot hope to cover every topic in detail – there will be time for that in the years ahead – we will accomplish two important goals.  First, we will provide a strong foundation, one which emphasizes connections across seemingly disparate phenomena. Second, we will provide a glimpse into the large diversity of topics that together define modern physics. For many of you, this is your first week at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We are glad you joined us, and we hope you discover that you enjoy physics as much as we do.

—    Gary, Daniel, and Ryan