The following is a summery-review of the book. Needs Editing.
A Review of Modern Physics (5th edition) by Tipler
& Llewellyn.
As I have delved deep
into this comprehensive book titled ‘Modern Physics’ by Paul A. Tipler &
Ralph A. Llewellyn, I acknowledged how lucky I was to come to know many new and interesting topics in modern quantum
physics, astrophysics and cosmology. In a broad sense, the book is divided into two parts. The First Part is titled Relativity & Quantum
Mechanics: The Foundations of Modern Physics and the Second Part is titled "Applications of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity." The First Part mainly discusses the
first half of the 20th century Physics. This include the proposition of
quantum theory by Max Planck in 1900, which ushered in a new era of Physics, special
& general theory of relativity, quantization of energy, various atomic
models, quantum statistics, and wave-particle duality.
The chapters of the 1st part are also arranged in close connection with that retrospect. The first 2 chapters concentrate on relativity and other related aspects such as Michelson-Morley experiment, Einstein's postulates, Lorentz transformation, superluminal speeds, relativistic energy, invariant mass, general relativity etc. The next, Chapter 3, deals with quantization of charge, light and energy, blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect and the Compton effect. This chapter also includes an easily understood derivation of Compton effect. Chapter 4 & 5 discuss about further discoveries such as Rutherford model, Bohr model, de Broglie wavelength and the uncertainty principle. This area also includes the probabilistic interpretation of wave function and the limitations of the old quantum mechanics. Chapter 6 & 7 delve into an extensive discussion about the Schrodinger equation in 1, 2 & 3 dimension. It also reflect on wave function of hydrogen atom, electron spin, ground states of atoms, excited states and spectra of atoms etc. In chapter 8, we find deep analysis of the famous Bose-Einstein condensates, Bose-Einstein statistics, quantum statistics, and the properties of Fermion Gas. I think it is wise to mention that Dr. Bose, FRS was born in Bangladesh and worked in the University of Dhaka. In 1924, while working as a reader in DU, he wrote a paper deriving Planck’s quantum radiation law by using a novel way of counting states with identical particles. This paper was crucial in creating the field of quantum statistics.
The chapters of the 1st part are also arranged in close connection with that retrospect. The first 2 chapters concentrate on relativity and other related aspects such as Michelson-Morley experiment, Einstein's postulates, Lorentz transformation, superluminal speeds, relativistic energy, invariant mass, general relativity etc. The next, Chapter 3, deals with quantization of charge, light and energy, blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect and the Compton effect. This chapter also includes an easily understood derivation of Compton effect. Chapter 4 & 5 discuss about further discoveries such as Rutherford model, Bohr model, de Broglie wavelength and the uncertainty principle. This area also includes the probabilistic interpretation of wave function and the limitations of the old quantum mechanics. Chapter 6 & 7 delve into an extensive discussion about the Schrodinger equation in 1, 2 & 3 dimension. It also reflect on wave function of hydrogen atom, electron spin, ground states of atoms, excited states and spectra of atoms etc. In chapter 8, we find deep analysis of the famous Bose-Einstein condensates, Bose-Einstein statistics, quantum statistics, and the properties of Fermion Gas. I think it is wise to mention that Dr. Bose, FRS was born in Bangladesh and worked in the University of Dhaka. In 1924, while working as a reader in DU, he wrote a paper deriving Planck’s quantum radiation law by using a novel way of counting states with identical particles. This paper was crucial in creating the field of quantum statistics.
The Second Part of the
book is titled ‘Applications of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity.’ It includes
chapters 9 through 13 of which Ch. 9 explores the molecular
structure & spectra. This Ch. 9 also discusses Bonding mechanisms such as Ionic, covalent; lasers,
masers, energy level of diatomic molecules and scattering, absorption or
simulated emission are described in easily understandable terms. Chapter 10
deals with another fundamental part, the solid state physics. The structure of
solids, classical and quantum theory of conduction, band theory of solids,
semiconductors, junctions and devices and superconductivity is the primary
focus of this chapter.
Chapter 11 deals with everything regarding Nuclear Physics. The composition and properties of nucleus,
radioactivity, the nuclear force, nuclear reactions, fission & fusion etc.
are mainly described here. In Ch. 12, the authors take us in the realm of
particle physics. Topics such as fundamental force carriers and interactions,
conservation laws & symmetries, and the standard model are discussed in
such a way that anyone can understand these at ease. After that, the authors
invite the reader to explore beyond the standard model and get acquainted with
neutrino oscillations & mass, the proposition of a theory of everything
etc. Chapter 13 starts with a grand tour of our known
universe. The authors take us towards the sun, the stars & their evolution,
the formation of galaxies & other superstructures, cosmology &
gravitation, and the evolution & the future of our cosmos. In a nutshell, the whole
experience with this book is really astounding. There is so much to know and
learn from its wide range of topics. I will certainly recommend this book as a
reference for Physics in the Intermediate or A level in our education
curriculum. Apart from students and academicians, this book is a must read for
enthusiast and ordinary people alike.
