Results for PHYSICS

How are electric and magnetic fields generated by static and moving charges, and what are their applications? How is light related to electromagnetic waves? Students learn to represent and analyze electric and magnetic fields to understand electric circuits, motors, and generators. The wave nature of light is used to explain interference, diffraction, and polarization phenomena. Geometric optics is employed to understand how lenses and mirrors form images. These descriptions are combined to understand the workings and limitations of optical systems such as the eye, corrective vision, cameras, telescopes, and microscopes. Discussions based on the language of algebra and trigonometry. Physical understanding fostered by peer interaction and demonstrations in lecture, and interactive group problem solving in discussion sections. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 21 or PHYSICS 21S.

Guided hands-on exploration of concepts in electricity and magnetism, circuits and optics with an emphasis on student predictions, observations and explanations. Introduction to multimeters and oscilloscopes. Pre- or corequisite: PHYS 23.

How are motions of objects in the physical world determined by the laws of physics? Students learn to describe the motion of objects (kinematics) and then understand why motions have the form they do (dynamics). Emphasis on how the important physical principles in mechanics, such as conservation of momentum and energy for translational and rotational motion, follow from just three laws of nature: Newton's laws of motion. The distinction made between fundamental laws of nature and empirical rules that are useful approximations for more complex physics. Problems are drawn from examples of mechanics in everyday life. Skills developed in verifying that derived results satisfy criteria for correctness, such as dimensional consistency and expected behavior in limiting cases. Discussions based on the language of mathematics, particularly vector representations and operations, and calculus. Physical understanding is fostered by peer interaction and demonstrations in lecture, and discussion sections based on interactive group problem-solving. Please enroll in a section that you can attend regularly. In order to register for this class students who have never taken an introductory Physics course at Stanford must complete the Physics Placement Diagnostic at https://physics.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduate-students/placement-diagnostic. Students who complete the Physics Placement Diagnostic by 3 PM (Pacific) on Friday will have their hold lifted over the weekend. Prerequisites: Physics placement diagnostic AND Math 20 or higherCorequisites: Completion of OR co-enrollment of Math 21 or higher. Since high school math classes vary widely, it is recommended that you take at least one math class at Stanford before or concurrently with Physics 41. In addition, it is recommended that you take Math 51 or CME 100 before taking the next course in the Physics 40 series, Physics 43.

Physics 41E (Physics 41 Extended) is a 5-unit version of Physics 41 (4 units) for students with little or no high school physics. Course topics and mathematical complexity are similar, but not identical to Physics 41. There is an additional class meeting every week, and attendance at all class sessions is mandatory. The extra classroom time and corresponding extra study time outside of class allows students to engage with concepts and become fluent in mathematical tools that include vector representations and operations, and relevant calculus. There is a strong emphasis on developing problem-solving skills, particularly as applied to real world examples, to leave students prepared for subsequent engineering, physics, or related courses they may take. The course will explore important physical principles in mechanics including: using Newton's Laws and torque to analyze static structures and forces; understanding the equations of kinematics; and utilizing energy in its many forms and applications. Prerequisites: Physics placement diagnostic AND Math 20 or higher. Corequisites: Completion of OR co-enrollment of Math 21 or higher. Since high school math classes vary widely, it is recommended that you take at least one math class at Stanford before or concurrently with Physics 41. In addition, it is recommended that you take Math 51 or CME 100 before taking the next course in the Physics 40 series, Physics 43. Priority will be given to students who have had little physics background.

STEMentors in Physics has been designed to provide timely support for students in PHYS 41 with study and problem-solving skills applicable in both physics and STEM courses in general. Students will join a small cohort of other PHYS 41 students looking to build community with and support other students in STEM. Weekly sections will focus on group activities and individual check-ins facilitated by a peer mentor who has previously taken PHYS 41. These activities are designed to normalize challenging experiences within a college science course, build key study skills such as how to effectively review lecture notes and practice problems, prepare for and reflect on exams, and reinforce problem-solving processes that will build student confidence over the quarter. Students should enroll in a weekly mentor section. Link to Mentor Bios:https://physics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/physics-stementors#:~:text=The%20Physics%20STEMentors%20program%20is,successful%20Chemistry%20Department%20STEMentors%20program. Co-Requisite: PHYS 41

Hands-on exploration of concepts in classical mechanics: Newton's laws, conservation laws, rotational motion. Introduction to laboratory techniques, experimental equipment and data analysis. Pre- or corequisite: PHYSICS 41.

What is electricity? What is magnetism? How are they related? How do these phenomena manifest themselves in the physical world? The theory of electricity and magnetism, as codified by Maxwell's equations, underlies much of the observable universe. Students develop both conceptual and quantitative knowledge of this theory. Topics include: electrostatics; magnetostatics; simple AC and DC circuits involving capacitors, inductors, and resistors; integral form of Maxwell's equations; electromagnetic waves. Principles illustrated in the context of modern technologies. Broader scientific questions addressed include: How do physical theories evolve? What is the interplay between basic physical theories and associated technologies? Discussions based on the language of mathematics, particularly differential and integral calculus, and vectors. Physical understanding fostered by peer interaction and demonstrations in lecture, and discussion sections based on interactive group problem solving. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 41, 41E or equivalent. MATH 21 or MATH 51 or CME 100 or equivalent. Recommended corequisite: MATH 52 or CME 102. Please make sure your AP scores are uploaded before enrollment opens.

Hands-on exploration of concepts in electricity, magnetism, and circuits. Introduction to multimeters, function generators, oscilloscopes, and graphing techniques. Pre- or corequisite: PHYSICS 43.

(Second in a three-part series: PHYSICS 61, PHYSICS 71, PHYSICS 81.) This course introduces the foundations of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics to students with a strong high school mathematics and physics background, who are contemplating a major in Physics or Engineering Physics or are interested in a rigorous treatment of physics. Topics related to quantum mechanics include atoms, electrons, and nuclei. Experimental evidence for physics that is not explained by classical mechanics and E&M. Quantization of light, Planck's constant. Photoelectric effect, Compton and Bragg scattering. Bohr model, atomic spectra. Matter waves, wave packets, interference. Fourier analysis and transforms Heisenberg uncertainty relationships. Particle-in-a-box, simple harmonic oscillator, barrier penetration, tunneling. Topics related to thermodynamics: limitations of classical mechanics in describing systems with a very large number of particles. Ideal gas, equipartition, heat capacity, the definition of temperature, entropy. A brief introduction to kinetic theory and statistical mechanics. Maxwell speed distribution, ideal gas in a box. Laws of thermodynamics. Cycles, heat engines, free energy. Prerequisites: Physics 61 and (Math 51 or Math 61CM). Corequisite: Physics 43 or equivalent (e.g. AP Physics C E&M), MATH 52 or 62CM. This course was offered as PHYSICS 65 prior to Academic Year 2022-2023.

Experiments are drawn from optics, heat, and modern physics. Pre- or co-requisite: Physics 71.

Preference to freshmen. This course provides an in-depth examination of frontiers of physics research, including fundamental physics, cosmology, and physics of the future. Questions such as: What is the universe made of? What is the nature of space, time, and matter? What can we learn about the history of the universe and what does it tell us about its future? A large part of 20th century was defined by revolutions in physics - everyday applications of electromagnetism, relativity, and quantum mechanics. What other revolutions can physics bring to human civilization in the 21st century? What is quantum computing? What can physics say about consciousness? What does it take to visit other parts of the solar system, or even other stars? We will also learn to convey these complex topics in engaging and diverse terms to the general public through writing and reading assignments, oral presentations, and multimedia projects. No prior knowledge of physics is necessary; all voices are welcome to contribute to the discussion about these big ideas. Learning Goals: By the end of the quarter you will be able to explain the major questions that drive physics research to your friends and peers. You will understand how scientists study the impossibly small and impossibly large and be able to convey this knowledge in clear and concise terms.

Experimental physics lab course aimed at providing an understanding of and appreciation for experimental methods in physics, including the capabilities and limitations, both fundamental and technical. Students perform experiments that use optics, lasers, and electronics to measure fundamental constants of nature, perform measurements at the atomic level, and analyze results. Goals include developing an understanding of measurement precision and accuracy through concepts of spectral-analysis of coherent signals combined with noise. We explore the fundamental limits to measurement set by thermal noise at finite temperature, as well as optical shot-noise in photo-detection that sets the standard quantum limit in detecting light. Spectroscopy of light emitted from atoms reveals the quantum nature of atomic energy levels, and when combined with theoretical models provides information on atomic structure and fundamental constants of nature (e.g. the fine structure constant that characterizes the strength of all electro-magnetic interactions, and the ratio of the electron mass to the proton mass, me/mp. Experiments may include laser spectroscopy to determine the interatomic potential, effective spring constant, and binding energy of a diatomic molecule, or measure the speed of light. This course will provide hands-on experience with semiconductor diode lasers, basic optics, propagation and detection of optical beams, and related electronics and laboratory instrumentation. For lab notebooks the class uses an integrated online environment for data analysis, curve fitting, (system is based on Jupyter notebooks, Python, and document preparation). Prerequisites: PHYSICS 40 series and PHYSICS 70, or 60 series, PHYSICS 120, PHYSICS 130; some familiarity with basic electronics is helpful but not required. Very basic programming in Python is needed, but background with Matlab, Origin, or similar software should be sufficient to come up to speed for the data analysis.

Vector analysis. Electrostatic fields, including boundary-value problems and multipole expansion. Dielectrics, static and variable magnetic fields, magnetic materials. Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 81; MATH 52 and MATH 53. Pre- or corequisite: PHYS 111 or MATH 131P or MATH 173 or Math 220.

Scattering theory, partial wave expansion, Born approximation. Additional topics may include nature of quantum measurement, EPR paradox, Bell's inequality, and topics in quantum information science; path integrals and applications; Berry's phase; structure of multi-electron atoms (Hartree-Fock); relativistic quantum mechanics (Dirac equation). Undergraduates register for PHYSICS 134 (4 units). Graduate students register for PHYSICS 234 (3 units). Prerequisite: PHYSICS 131.

Radiative processes. Observed characteristics of stars and the Milky Way galaxy. Physical processes in stars and matter under extreme conditions. Structure and evolution of stars from birth to death. White dwarfs, planetary nebulae, supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, binary stars, x-ray stars, and black holes. Galactic structure, interstellar medium, molecular clouds, HI and HII regions, star formation, and element abundances. Undergraduates register for PHYSICS 160. Graduate students register for PHYSICS 260. Pre-requisite: Physics 120 or permission of instructor. Recommended: Some familiarity with plotting and basic numerical calculations.

Statistical methods constitute a fundamental tool for the analysis and interpretation of experimental physics data. In this course, students will learn the foundations of statistical data analysis methods and how to apply them to the analysis of experimental data. Problem sets will include data-sets from real experiments and require the use of programming tools to extract physics results. Topics include probability and statistics, experimental uncertainties, parameter estimation, confidence limits, and hypothesis testing. Students will be required to complete a final project.

Basic probability and statistics for random processes such as random walks. The derivation of laws of thermodynamics from basic postulates; the determination of the relationship between atomic substructure and macroscopic behavior of matter. Temperature; equations of state, heat, internal energy, equipartition; entropy, Gibbs paradox; equilibrium and reversibility; heat engines; applications to various properties of matter; absolute zero and low-temperature phenomena. Distribution functions, fluctuations, the partition function for classical and quantum systems, and irreversible processes. Pre- or corequisite: PHYSICS 130 or EE 222.

Introduction to the physics of quantum optics and atoms in the ultracold setting. Quantum gases and photons are employed in quantum simulation, sensing, and computation. Modern atomic physics and quantum optics will be covered, including laser cooling and trapping, ultracold collisions, optical lattices, ion traps, cavity QED, BEC and quantum degenerate Fermi gases, and quantum phase transitions in quantum gases and lattices. Prerequisites: Undergraduate quantum and statistical mechanics courses.

Undergraduate research in experimental or theoretical physics under the supervision of a faculty member. The faculty member will prepare a list of goals and expectations at the start of the research. The student will prepare a written summary of research accomplished by the end. Prerequisites: superior work as an undergraduate Physics major and consent of instructor.

Development and practice of effective scientific communication in physics, including scientific publications, research proposals, science writing for a general audience, and effective communication of data. The course will involve extensive writing, reviewing, and revision, including responding effectively to critiques. Satisfies the WIM requirement for Physics and Engineering Physics majors. Intended for juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: two years of college-level physics (e.g., completion of Physics 120).

Long-term experimental or theoretical project and thesis in Physics under supervision of a faculty member. Planning of the thesis project is recommended to begin as early as middle of the junior year. Successful completion of a senior thesis requires a minimum of 3 units for a letter grade completed during the senior year, along with the other formal thesis and physics major requirements. Students doing research for credit prior to senior year should sign up for Physics 190. Prerequisites: superior work as an undergraduate Physics major and approval of the thesis application.

Special relativity: The principles of relativity, Lorentz transformations, four vectors and tensors, relativistic mechanics and the principle of least action. Lagrangian formulation, charges in electromagnetic fields, gauge invariance, the electromagnetic field tensor, covariant equations of electrodynamics and mechanics, four-current and continuity equation. Noether's theorem and conservation laws, Poynting's theorem, stress-energy tensor. Constant electromagnetic fields: conductors and dielectrics, magnetic media, electric and magnetic forces, and energy. Electromagnetic waves: Plane and monochromatic waves, spectral resolution, polarization, electromagnetic properties of matter, dispersion relations, wave guides and cavities. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 121 and PHYSICS 210, or equivalent; MATH 106 or MATH 116, and MATH 132 or equivalent.

Fundamental concepts. Introduction to Hilbert spaces and Dirac's notation. Postulates applied to simple systems, including those with periodic structure. Symmetry operations and gauge transformation. The path integral formulation of quantum statistical mechanics. Problems related to measurement theory. The quantum theory of angular momenta and central potential problems. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 131 or equivalent.

Scattering theory, partial wave expansion, Born approximation. Additional topics may include nature of quantum measurement, EPR paradox, Bell's inequality, and topics in quantum information science; path integrals and applications; Berry's phase; structure of multi-electron atoms (Hartree-Fock); relativistic quantum mechanics (Dirac equation). Undergraduates register for PHYSICS 134 (4 units). Graduate students register for PHYSICS 234 (3 units). Prerequisite: PHYSICS 131.

Radioactivity. Elementary nuclear processes. Energetics of fission and fusion. Cross-sections and resonances. Fissionable and fertile isotopes. Neutron budgets. Light water, heavy water and graphite reactors. World nuclear energy production. World reserves of uranium and thorium. Plutonium, reprocessing and proliferation. Half lives of fission decay products and actinides made by neutron capture. Nuclear waste. Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. Molten sodium breeders. Generation-IV reactors. Inertial confinement and magnetic fusion. Laser compression. Fast neutron production and fission-fusion hybrids. Prerequisities: Strong undergraduate background in elementary chemistry and physics. PHYSICS 240 and PHYSICS 252 recommended but not required. Interested undergraduates encouraged to enroll, with permission of instructor.

Radiative processes. Observed characteristics of stars and the Milky Way galaxy. Physical processes in stars and matter under extreme conditions. Structure and evolution of stars from birth to death. White dwarfs, planetary nebulae, supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, binary stars, x-ray stars, and black holes. Galactic structure, interstellar medium, molecular clouds, HI and HII regions, star formation, and element abundances. Undergraduates register for PHYSICS 160. Graduate students register for PHYSICS 260. Pre-requisite: Physics 120 or permission of instructor. Recommended: Some familiarity with plotting and basic numerical calculations.

Statistical methods constitute a fundamental tool for the analysis and interpretation of experimental physics data. In this course, students will learn the foundations of statistical data analysis methods and how to apply them to the analysis of experimental data. Problem sets will include data-sets from real experiments and require the use of programming tools to extract physics results. Topics include probability and statistics, experimental uncertainties, parameter estimation, confidence limits, and hypothesis testing. Students will be required to complete a final project.

Electrons in low-dimensional and narrow-band systems often display novel and extreme properties - unconventional superconductivity quantum hall effects, quantum mechanical interference, and localization, interplay of correlation and topology, natural and engineered (e.g., twist stacking) narrow-band systems with rich and unexpected behavior. After a few background lectures, students come to each class session prepared to discuss one or more classic review articles or recent experimental publications. Prerequisite: undergraduate quantum mechanics and solid-state physics preferred; physicists, engineers, and chemists welcome.

Introduction to the physics of quantum optics and atoms in the ultracold setting. Quantum gases and photons are employed in quantum simulation, sensing, and computation. Modern atomic physics and quantum optics will be covered, including laser cooling and trapping, ultracold collisions, optical lattices, ion traps, cavity QED, BEC and quantum degenerate Fermi gases, and quantum phase transitions in quantum gases and lattices. Prerequisites: Undergraduate quantum and statistical mechanics courses.

Curricular practical training for students participating in an internship with a physics-related focus. Meets the requirements for curricular practical training for students on F-1 visas. Prior to the internship, students submit a concise description of the proposed project and work activities. After the internship, students submit a summary of the work completed and skills learned, including a reflection on the professional growth gained as a result of the internship. This course may be repeated for credit. Students are responsible for arranging their own internship/employment and faculty sponsorship. Register under faculty sponsor's section number.

Weekly seminar/discussions on interactive techniques for teaching physics. Practicum which includes class observations, grading, and student teaching in current courses. Required of all Teaching Assistants prior to the first teaching assignment. Mandatory attendance at weekly in-class sessions during the first 5 weeks of the quarter; mandatory successful completion of all practicum activities. Students who do not hold a US Passport must complete the International Teaching/Course Assistant Screening Exam and be cleared to TA before taking the class. Details: https://language.stanford.edu/programs/efs/languages/english-foreign-students/international-teachingcourse-assistant-screening. Enrollment in PHYSICS 294 is by permission. To get a permission number please complete the form: https://forms.gle/AQarpxz5XVJzVE8i7. If you have not heard from us by the beginning of class, please come to the first class session.

Required of graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

Functional integral methods. Local gauge invariance and Yang-Mills fields. Asymptotic freedom. Spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism. Unified models of weak and electromagnetic interactions. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 330.

Intended as a complement to Ph 362 and Ph 364.nGalaxies (including their nuclei), clusters, stars and backgrounds in the contemporary universe. Geometry, kinematics, dynamics, and physics of the universe at large. Evolution of the universe following the epoch of nucleosynthesis. Epochs of recombination, reionization and first galaxy formation. Fluid and kinetic description of the growth of structure with application to microwave background fluctuations and galaxy surveys. Gravitational lensing. The course will feature interleaved discussion of theory and observation. Undergraduate exposure to general relativity and cosmology at the level of Ph 262 and Ph 161 will be helpful but is not essential.

Open only to Physics graduate students, with consent of instructor. Work is in experimental or theoretical problems in research, as distinguished from independent study of a non-research character in 190 and 293.