Modern Physics Visualized

This engaging software package puts the abstract concepts of modern physics into an understandable context by utilizing highly visual and highly interactive computer simulations. Using computer animation that is governed by user input, students are able to interactively study modeled physical behavior that previously may have only been presented in the form of an equation or static diagram. Time dilation, the particle nature of light, atomic models, and probability waves are all brought to life! By fully utilizing the computer medium, Modern Physics Visualized brings understanding to modern physics topics in ways that go beyond that offered by a textbook. The package consists of 10 stand-alone modules that introduce modern physics topics in a visually creative fashion. Each module contains three components: (1) an interactive simulation where students gain an intuitive understanding of the topic by performing an investigation, (2) a history section detailing the pioneering work and background of the contributing physicists, and (3) a theory section that provides a clear and graphic-rich explanation of the central principles related to the topic. The following topics are covered: Blackbody Radiation The Photoelectric Effect Compton Scattering Rutherford Scattering The Bohr Model of the Hydrogen Atom De Broglie, Schrodinger & Probability Waves Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle Theory of Relativity - The Speed of Light Theory of Relativity - Length Contraction Theory of Relativity - Time Dilation Modern Physics Visualized may be used as an instructor lead demonstration in front of the classroom, or used by students as a computer-based lab activity. The program is designed to integrate smoothly into a unit or course on modern physics.			Students select individual wavelengths from the blackbody spectrum to progressively build an intensity distribution plot, then study how changes in temperature influence the distribution.
			Photoelectric Effect. Students measure how the rate and kinetic energy of the ejected electrons depend on the intensity and wavelength of the light source. A plot of stopping potential vs. frequency is generated, allowing determination of the cutoff frequency.
			Compton's experiment in which the scattering of x-rays off of electrons gives compelling evidence that light possesses particle-like characteristics. Change in wavelength and angle of deflection data for the incident x-ray photons is gathered.
			Bohr Model. The discrete orbits of hydrogen are modeled. Students select a higher and lower orbital, observe the electron transitioning between the two states, and then examine the resulting spectrum.
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Presented with a beam of electrons passing through a slit, students explore the fundamental limitation on the ability to simultaneously determine the location and momentum of a particle.			Simulation displaying the probability wave functions for electron orbitals in the first three shells of hydrogen. The option exists to observe the behavior of the wave functions in spherical or rectangular coordinates.