Unit I
Relativistic Mechanics: Frame of reference, Inertial & non-inertial frames, Galilean transformations, Michelson- Morley experiment, Postulates of special theory of relativity, Lorentz transformations, Length contraction, Time dilation, Velocity addition theorem, Variation of mass with velocity, Einstein’s mass energy relation, Relativistic relation between energy and momentum, Massless particle.
Unit II
Electromagnetic Field Theory: Continuity equation for current density, Displacement current, Modifying equation for the curl of magnetic field to satisfy continuity equation, Maxwell’s equations in vacuum and in non conducting medium, Energy in an electromagnetic field, Poynting vector and Poynting theorem, Plane electromagnetic waves in vacuum and their transverse nature. Relation between electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave, Energy and momentum carried by electromagnetic waves, Resultant pressure, Skin depth.
Unit III
Quantum Mechanics: Black body radiation, Stefan’s law, Wien’s law, Rayleigh-Jeans law and Planck’s law, Wave particle duality, Matter waves, Time-dependent and time-independent Schrodinger wave equation, Born interpretation of wave function, Solution to stationary state Schrodinger wave equation for one-Dimensional particle in a box, Compton effect.
Unit IV
Wave Optics: Coherent sources, Interference in uniform and wedge shaped thin films, Necessity of extended sources, Newton’s Rings and its applications. Fraunhoffer diffraction at single slit and at double slit, absent spectra, Diffraction grating, Spectra with grating, Dispersive power, Resolving power of grating, Rayleigh’s criterion of resolution, Resolving power of grating.