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Corey Mousseau

This course is one of several courses designed for Algebra Based AP Physics 2 and Regents Physics. In this course we will cover the topics of Modern Physics, covering Quantum, Blackbody Radiation, Photoelectric Effect, Photon Energy and Momentum, Wave Duality, Atomic History, Spectra, The Bohr Model, Nuclear Physics, and finally the Standard Model.

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This course is one of several courses designed for Algebra Based AP Physics 2 and Regents Physics. In this course we will cover the topics of Modern Physics, covering Quantum, Blackbody Radiation, Photoelectric Effect, Photon Energy and Momentum, Wave Duality, Atomic History, Spectra, The Bohr Model, Nuclear Physics, and finally the Standard Model.

The videos and resources will include lectures, demonstrations, and plenty of worked out example problems with High School physics curriculum and the AP Physics 2 curriculum in mind. This is perfect for any student planning to take the AP exam or any Introductory College physics student. While this course does not cover calculus based physics, any student enrolled in such course will still benefit from the ground work laid out here.

While this course does have sections for both High School and AP Level Physics, the videos intended for the AP crowed will be clearly labeled.

Upon completion of this course students should look to complete my other courses regarding the other content areas in AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2.

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What's inside

Learning objective

Understand the concepts of the photoelectric effect, particle physics, nuclear physics, and the standard model.

Syllabus

Modern Physics
Introduction
Physics Course Online Course Map
AP Physics Only - Quantum Physics and Blackbody Radiation
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The Photoelectric Effect Part 1
AP Physics Only - The Photoelectric Effect Part 2
Atomic History, Bohr Model, Emission Spectra Part 1
Atomic History, Bohr Model, Emission Spectra Part 2
AP Physics Only - Introduction to Nuclear Physics
AP Physics Only - Introduction to Nuclear Physics Part 2
The Standard Model of Particle Physics Part 1
The Standard Model of Particle Physics Part 2
AP Physics B Exam Review
2010 Question 7
2010 Form B Question 7
2011 Form B Question 6
2012 Question 7
2013 Question 7
2014 Question 6
Find all of my physics courses and course website
Physics Course Online Pathway

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a solid foundation in modern physics concepts, which is essential for success in AP Physics 2 and introductory college physics courses
Includes lectures, demonstrations, and worked examples, which are helpful for students preparing for the AP exam or introductory college physics
Covers topics such as Quantum Physics, Blackbody Radiation, and the Photoelectric Effect, which are fundamental concepts in modern physics
Includes sections specifically labeled for AP Physics, which allows students to focus on the material most relevant to their exam preparation
Recommends completing other courses to cover all content areas in AP Physics 1 and 2, which may require additional time and effort from the student
Does not cover calculus-based physics, which may limit its applicability for students in advanced physics courses that require calculus

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Save Physics - Modern Physics - High School and AP Physics to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Physics - Modern Physics - High School and AP Physics with these activities:
Review Classical Mechanics
Reinforce your understanding of classical mechanics concepts, as they provide a foundation for understanding quantum mechanics and wave-particle duality.
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  • Review Newton's laws of motion.
  • Practice problems related to energy and momentum conservation.
  • Study wave motion and interference.
Read 'Six Easy Pieces' by Richard Feynman
Gain a conceptual understanding of fundamental physics principles, which will aid in grasping the more abstract concepts of modern physics.
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  • Read one chapter per week.
  • Summarize the key concepts from each chapter.
  • Relate the concepts to the course material.
Create a Glossary of Modern Physics Terms
Improve your understanding of the terminology used in modern physics by creating a glossary of key terms and definitions.
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  • Identify key terms from the course materials.
  • Write clear and concise definitions for each term.
  • Organize the terms alphabetically or by topic.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Help other students in the discussion forums
Reinforce your understanding of the material by helping other students with their questions and problems in the discussion forums.
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  • Regularly check the discussion forums for new questions.
  • Provide clear and helpful answers to student questions.
  • Explain concepts in your own words.
Create a Presentation on the Photoelectric Effect
Solidify your understanding of the photoelectric effect by creating a presentation that explains the concept, its experimental evidence, and its implications.
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  • Research the photoelectric effect and its history.
  • Prepare slides with clear explanations and visuals.
  • Practice presenting the material to a peer.
Solve Problems on Nuclear Physics
Reinforce your problem-solving skills in nuclear physics by working through a variety of quantitative problems.
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  • Find practice problems in textbooks or online resources.
  • Solve the problems independently, showing all work.
  • Check your answers and review the solutions.
Read 'The Elegant Universe' by Brian Greene
Expand your understanding of the Standard Model and related concepts by exploring the theoretical framework of string theory.
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  • Read a few chapters each week.
  • Take notes on the key ideas and concepts.
  • Reflect on how string theory relates to the Standard Model.

Career center

Learners who complete Physics - Modern Physics - High School and AP Physics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Physics Teacher
A physics teacher introduces students to the fundamental principles of physics, guiding them through the complexities of the universe. This course helps build a strong foundation in modern physics concepts including quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and particle physics, all of which are essential for a physics teacher to effectively explain these topics to students. A physics teacher must also have mastery of the math underlying these concepts. This course may be particularly useful for those planning to teach advanced high school or introductory college courses, as it aligns well with AP Physics 2 curriculum, offering worked-out examples that demonstrate effective problem-solving techniques.
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer designs and creates educational materials, including lesson plans, assessments, and resources. This course could be useful for a curriculum developer who is creating materials focused on modern physics, offering a deep dive into topics such as the photoelectric effect, atomic history, and the standard model of particle physics. A curriculum developer needs to have a solid understanding of the content to design engaging and accurate materials, and this course aligns with both high school and AP level physics, providing a broad perspective of the field. A course like this one that covers both high school physics and AP level physics can help a curriculum developer make sure their materials are appropriate for different levels.
Science Tutor
A science tutor provides individualized instruction and support to students, helping them understand complex scientific concepts. This course may be particularly helpful to a science tutor who is working with students in high school or early college, allowing a deeper understanding of modern physics topics such as wave-particle duality, atomic spectra, and nuclear physics. A science tutor must be able to break down difficult concepts into simpler terms, and knowing the content in this course's syllabus is useful. The course’s focus on examples and problem-solving can be directly translated into tutoring sessions, making it a pertinent resource for any aspiring science tutor.
Educational Consultant
An educational consultant advises schools and educational organizations on best practices and improvements. This course may be useful for an educational consultant specializing in science education, especially as it examines modern physics topics such as quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and particle physics. By taking this course, an educational consultant can better understand what teachers are teaching, and how to apply best practices. This course’s coverage of both high school and AP level physics may be especially helpful, providing a broader understanding of the curriculum.
Physics Researcher
A physics researcher conducts experiments and studies materials to advance our understanding of the universe. While this course does not cover calculus based physics, it may be helpful for a physics researcher, building a foundation in areas such as quantum mechanics and the standard model. These topics are critical in laying the foundation for all subfields of physics. A physics researcher typically holds an advanced degree such as a master's or phd, and they must understand these fundamentals. Though this course does not teach advanced techniques or calculus, it offers a helpful review of these basic concepts.
Science Writer
A science writer communicates complex ideas to a general audience through written materials. This course may be useful for a science writer to communicate basic scientific concepts of modern physics such as blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, and wave duality. Science writing demands accuracy and a deep understanding of the subject matter. This course introduces many of the complex concepts that science writers communicate to the public. Understanding the historical context of atomic models will also help the science writer to give the appropriate background information to the reader.
Laboratory Technician
A laboratory technician assists in scientific research by setting up experiments and preparing samples. A laboratory technician who works in areas of modern physics like nuclear physics or quantum physics may find this course useful as it provides a background in these concepts. A lab technician often works in a physics research lab or in a physics teaching lab. This course's content in nuclear physics, photon energy, and wave duality offers a useful resource for those working in a physics lab. Though this course does not offer hands-on lab experience, it is useful background.
Textbook Editor
A textbook editor develops, reviews, and refines educational materials. A textbook editor specializing in physics might find this course helpful, as it covers a broad range of modern physics topics, such as the standard model of particle physics, and nuclear physics. The syllabus aligns with high school and AP physics curricula, and therefore gives a textbook editor an overview of common topics. A textbook editor therefore, finds value in taking this course, since it is a good overview of the subject.
Software Developer
A software developer designs and creates software applications. A software developer working in simulation or modeling may find this course useful in that it introduces physical phenomena such as blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, and atomic spectra. Software developers must understand the concepts behind the algorithms they develop. These topics, as taught in this course, can help with the development of accurate models. A software developer who is interested in working on simulations may find this useful, even if it does not teach any programming.
Science Journalist
A science journalist researches and reports on scientific findings for the public. This course may be useful to a science journalist who is covering topics of modern physics, providing an introduction to basic concepts such as wave-particle duality, atomic models, and nuclear physics. A science journalist must be able to understand the information they write about, and should be able to communicate concepts clearly using their writing. Though this course covers only the basics, it still may prove quite useful for a science journalist covering physics.
Patent Lawyer
A patent lawyer specializes in intellectual property law and they help inventors secure patents for their creations. A patent lawyer who works in areas of science and technology may find this course helpful, providing them with a broad overview of modern physics. This course’s coverage of quantum physics, nuclear physics, and particle physics can be useful for a patent lawyer working on cases in these fields. A patent lawyer, though not a scientist themselves, should be familiar with the underlying concepts of the inventions they are helping to protect.
Data Analyst
A data analyst collects, processes, and performs statistical analyses on data. A data analyst working on scientific data may find this course useful, providing valuable background information on the physics the data represents. Data analysts frequently work with researchers to analyze data gathered from scientific experiments, and sometimes a data analyst is also expected to interpret that data. A background in modern physics, including nuclear physics, is a useful resource to a data analyst working in the field.
Technical Writer
A technical writer produces documentation for technical products or processes. A technical writer working in the fields covered by this course may find this course useful, since they need a solid understanding of the basics of modern physics such as wave particle duality and the standard model. Though a technical writer does not need to be a scientist, they must be able to describe technical concepts accurately. This course provides the technical foundation for understanding the terminology of the field. This is a helpful background for any technical writer working in the field of physics.
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist manages communications between an organization and the public. This course may be helpful for a public relations specialist working in the field of science, as they must have background knowledge in order to effectively communicate the organization's work. The fundamental underpinnings of the standard model, nuclear physics, and quantum mechanics may be useful for a public relations specialist working in the field of physics. A public relations specialist may not need to be a physicist, but a background knowledge of scientific concepts would prove helpful.
Sales Representative
A sales representative sells products for a company, often including scientific instruments or educational products. This course may be helpful for a sales representative who sells products related to modern physics or science education of the topics in this course, such as blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, and wave duality. A sales representative should have a basic knowledge of the products they are selling. While not a deep connection, this course may still be valuable to sales staff.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Physics - Modern Physics - High School and AP Physics.
Provides an accessible introduction to some of the core concepts in physics, including atoms, energy, and quantum mechanics. It's helpful for gaining a conceptual understanding of the topics covered in the course without getting bogged down in mathematical details. While not a direct textbook, it serves as excellent supplementary reading to build intuition.
Provides a non-mathematical introduction to string theory and related concepts in modern physics. It's useful for gaining a broader perspective on the frontiers of physics research and understanding the context of the Standard Model. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference, as it provides a high-level overview of advanced topics.

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