Module Identifier PH23010  
Module Title QUANTUM PHYSICS  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Professor Neville Greaves  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Rudolf Winter  
Pre-Requisite Core Physics Modules at Level 1  
Course delivery Lecture   20 lectures  
  Seminars / Tutorials   2 seminars/workshops/exercise classes; 2 tutorials  
Assessment Course work   Example Sheets Example Sheets 11,12,13,15,16 & 17 Deadlines are detailed in the Year 2 Example Sheet Schedule distributed by the Department   30%  
  Exam   2 Hours End of Semester Examinations   70%  

Module description


This module introduces the quantum description of matter and radiation. The theoretical and experimental background to the de Broglie equations is summarised and from these relationships the time-dependent and time-independent Schrodinger equations are obtained. The wave-functions which provide solutions to these equations are interpreted. Schrodinger's equation is applied to a particle in a box, a simple harmonic oscillator, scattering by a potential well and the penetration of a potential barrier. The two-particle problem is used to introduce the concept of parity. The full quantum solution of the hydrogen atom is then derived.

Learning outcomes


After taking this module students should be able to:

Outline syllabus


Recap of wave-particle duality.
De Broglie relationships and Schrodinger's equation.
Operators, dynamical variables and possible results of a measurement. Expectation values.
Solution of Schrodinger's equation for an infinite well.
Degeneracy. Correspondence Principle. Symmetric and anti-symmetric solution.
Zero-point energy and specific heat at low temperatures. Uncertainty Principle.
Potential well with ion lattice. Symmetry argument for valence and conduction bands. Insulators, conductors and semi-conductors.
Symmetric and anti-symmetric solution. Bosons and Fermions.
Scattering by a finite well and Ramsauer effect.
Barrier penetration (approximate solution). Field-emission microscope and scanning microscope. Alpha-decay.
Quantum representation of angular momentum.
Hydrogen atom.
Spin, magnetism and NMR.

Reading Lists

Books
A.P. French & E.F. Taylor. An Introduction to Quantum Physics. Nelson 0177710802
Anthony J.G. Hey & Patrick Walters. The Quantum Universe. Cambridge University Press 0521318459
S.R. Elliott. Physics and Chemistry of Solids. Wiley 0471981958