Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 |
| Seminars / Tutorials | 3 |
| Workload Breakdown | Example sheets 20 hours |
| Workload Breakdown | lectures 20 hours |
| Workload Breakdown | Tutorials 3 hrs |
| Workload Breakdown | Private study 57 hours |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours | 70% |
| Semester Assessment | 3 example sheets | 30% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. classify the states of single and multielectron atoms
2. perform vector addition of angular momentum using LS or jj coupling schemes
3. predict allowed transitions in atoms from selection rules
4. calculate electron energy level shifts in a magnetic field
5. predict the rotational and vibrational spectra of polyatomic molecules
Aims
Atoms and molecules are the basic building blocks of all matter. Therefore, an understanding of the structure of these entities and their interactions is crucial to a complete understanding of matter. This module will use the quantum theory to makle predictions about atomic and molecular states and look at the experimental evidence which verifies these predictions.
Brief description
This module will discuss the structure of atoms and molecules, discussing theoretical models developed from quantum theory and their verification using the tool of optical and infra-red spectroscopy.
Content
Spectroscopy of the hydrogen atom - gross, fine, and hyperfine structure. Orbital and spin angular momentum in hydrogen. Spin-orbit coupling. Many electron atoms - indistinguishability and the Pauli Exclusion Principle. LS and jj-coupling. Hund's rules.
Optical selection rules in atoms. Alkali and rare earth spectra. Helium and configuration interaction. Zeeman effect - space quantisation. Hyperfine structure - nuclear spin. Rydberg states.
MOLECULES:
Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Rotational, vibrational and electronic spectra of diatomic and polyatomic molecules. Instrumentation.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | All questions set in tests, example sheets and formal exams have numerical problems |
| Communication | Written communication is developed via lecture assignments |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Formative assessments are used in order that students might reflect on their progress during the module |
| Information Technology | Students will be expected to research topics within the module via the internet |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The module will highlight the latest research in this fields and hence will develop, to an extent, career development. |
| Problem solving | Problem solving is a key skill in physics and this wil be tested via lecture problem sheets and in formal examination at the end of the module |
| Research skills | Students will be set problems in lectures which will entail research in library and over the internet |
Reading List
Recommended TextBanwell, C.N. & McMash, E.M (1994) Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy 4th Edition McGraw-Hill Primo search Softly, T. P. (1994) Atomic Spectra Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6