Although an atom is too small to be observed by using optical microscopes, the theoretical and experimental investigations by physicists in the early twentieth century have unraveled many mysteries of atoms. This course will bring students to retrace the thinking paths of these physicists, and participate in the scientific investigation of atoms. Students will learn the basic concepts of atomic physics and how to use modern instruments to determine electron charge, the mass of an electron, as well as the structure of a hydrogen atom. Techniques such as methods of error analysis and writing an experimental report will also be covered. This course includes lectures and experimental sessions.

雖然原子十分微小，利用光學顯微鏡也無法直接觀察它們，但二十世紀初的物理學家卻能透過各種實驗和理論，揭開了原子的神秘面紗。本課程帶領學生重溫物理學家探索原子結構的過程，參與有關的科學研究。學生將學習原子物理學的基本概念和如何利用現代科學儀器測量電子的電荷、電子的質量，以及氫原子的結構。學生也會學習誤差分析方法，和撰寫實驗報告等技巧。課程包括理論講解及實驗部分。