I.
Description
What is the nature of light? And how does it relate to
magnets, electric circuits, TVs, radioactivity, and the
fundamental forces of nature? More importantly, what
really happens to your burrito when you microwave it?
This course answers these and similar questions by following
the historical development of three apparently distinct and
unrelated phenomena – electricity, magnetism, and light –
from early 19th century theories, to their unification under
a single phenomena by Maxwell, and beyond to Einstein's
theory of special relativity, and their incorporation into
the Standard Model of contemporary physics.
II.
Required
Reading A. At Bookstore:
1.
[Bu] Buchwald, J. (1989) The Rise of the Wave Theory of Light,
University of Chicago Press.
2.
[H] Hunt, B. (2005) The Maxwellians,
Cornell University Press
B. Online:
1.
[Br] Brush, S. (2007)
"How ideas became knowledge: The light-quantum
hypothesis 1905-1935", Historical Studies in the Physical and
Biological Sciences, 37: 205-246.
2.
[D06] Darrigol, O.
(2006) "The Genesis of the Theory of
Relativity", in Damour, T., O. Darrigol, B.
Duplantier, V. Rivasseau (eds.) Einstein,
1905-2005: Poincare Seminar 2005,
Birkhauser: 1-31.
3.
[D00] Darrigol, O.
(2003)Electrodynamics from Ampere to Einstein,
Oxford Univ. Press (excerpts: Chaps 1, 3).
4.
[D86] Darrigol, O.
(1986) "The Origin of Quantized
Matter Waves", Historical
Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences 16:
19-24.
5.
[K] Kragh, H. (1981)
"The Genesis of Dirac's Relativistic Theory of
Electrons", Archive
for History of Exact Sciences 24:
31-67.
6.
[Sch] Schweber, S.
(2002) "Quantum Field Theory:
From QED to the Standard Model" in Nye, M. (ed.) The Cambridge History
of Science, Volume 5, Cambridge University
Press: 375-392.
7.
[Se] Suman, S. (2004)
"Quantum theory and the electromagnetic world-view",
Historical Studies
in the Physical and Biological Sciences 35:
67-93.
III.
Requirements
1.
Two papers
of 5-7 pages. Suggested topics are provided at
least 2 weeks before their due dates.
(a)
Papers must
conform to writing guidelines
that will be handed out with the first set
of suggested topics .
(b)
Late paper
policy: Late papers
will be accepted but will be given an
initial penalty of a third of a grade point,
and a further penalty of a third of a grade
point for every period of 4 days after the
due date. Example:
An
A paper turned in one day late will receive
an A-; an A paper turned in 4 days late will
receive a B+; an A paper turned in 8 days
late will receive a B; etc.
Late
papers will not be accepted after the date
of the final.
2.
Seven quizzes
will be given at the beginning of class on the
dates listed below. These will consist of 3 or
4 questions from the study guide questions.
You will have 15 minutes to complete them. The
best 6 out of 7 quizzes will count towards your
total quiz grade.
3.
One midterm and one final will be
given. These will consist of short answer
questions and short essay questions. The
midterm will be 1hr 20min, while the final will be
3hr. Both will be
closed-notes/closed-text/smart-phones off.
Please be aware that rest-room breaks are prohibited
during examinations.
IV.
Grade Distribution
Quizzes: 20% total
Papers: 2@20% = 40% total
Midterm: 20%
Final: 20%
V.
Reminders
on University Policies
1.
Incompletes.
It is university and HuSS departmental policy that
incompletes can be given only in very extenuating
circumstances (medical emergencies, etc.). In
particular, an incomplete cannot be given because of
a heavy course load, job commitments, or because
you've simply fallen behind in the course. For
this reason, you should attend every lecture and
make sure you're aware of assignment deadlines and
exam dates. If for whatever reason you find
yourself falling behind during the semester, do not
hesitate to see the instructor as soon as possible.
2.
University Honor
System. All students should be aware
of the university policy on cheating and
plagiarism. Cheating on an exam, or
plagiarizing on an essay assignment, are sufficient
reasons for receiving an F in the course.
VI.
Schedule
The following schedule may be subject to revision over the
course of the semester. Unless otherwise specified,
reading assignments must be completed by the date on which
they appear.
1
Tues 9/2.
Introduction. Malus and Polarization. [Bu] Chaps 1-2.
Thurs 9/4. Malus and Polarization,
cont.
2
9/9. Arago and Biot. [Bu] Chaps 3-4.
9/11. Arago and Biot,
cont. Quiz 1.
3
9/16. Fresnel's Ray
Theory of Diffraction. [Bu] Chap 5.