Module Title |
Quantum Physics 1
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Module Code |
PS201
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School |
School of Physical Sciences
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Online Module Resources
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Module Co-ordinator | Prof. Greg Hughes | Office Number | N138 |
Level |
2
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Credit Rating |
5
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None
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Module Aims
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This module takes as its starting point a discussion of the experiments that led to the birth of Modern Physics and the introduction of Quantum Mechanics.
The introduction to quantum mechanics takes as its starting point ideas about wave-particle duality, the Uncertainty Principle and early models of the atom leading to the Bohr Theory.
The time independent and time dependent Schrodinger equations are introduced and applied to the solution of several one-dimensional problems, beginning with the simple particle in an infinite well and increasing in difficulty to cover the finite well, reflection and transmission at a potential step quantum tunnelling and the one dimensional harmonic oscillator.
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Learning Outcomes
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After studying the material presented in this course the student should be able to:
7 Give a brief account of the experiments that led to the introduction of quantum mechanics.
7 Apply the Bohr theory of the atom to hydrogen and hydrogen like atoms and use this theory to explain and interpret their spectra.
7 Quote and interpret the time-dependent and time-independent Schrodinger equations.
7 Understand the concept of an operator, an eigenfunction and an eigenvalue.
7 Solve the time independent Schrodinger equation for 1-dimensional problems, applying appropriate boundary conditions.
7 Normalise 1-dimensional wavefunctions
7 Solve numerical problems based on all aspects of this course.
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Indicative Time Allowances
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Hours
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Lectures |
24
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Tutorials |
6
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Laboratories |
0
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Seminars |
0
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Independent Learning Time |
45
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Total |
75
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Placements |
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Assignments |
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NOTE
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Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.
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Indicative Syllabus
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THE PHOTON
Blackbody Radiation, Maxwell Boltzmann Distribution, Planck Hypothesis, The photoelectric effect, X-Rays, The Compton effect, Pair Production.
OLD QUANTUM THEORY
The electron, Nuclear model of the atom, Rutherford Scattering, The Quantum picture of the atom. The Bohr atom, Atomic Spectra, Characteristic X-Rays and X-ray spectra.
MATTER WAVES
DeBroglie Hypothesis, Electron Diffraction, Wave-Particle duality, determinism and Randomness, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Waves and Wave Packets.
INTRODUCTORY QUANTUM MECHANICS
Intuitive derivation of the Schrodinger wave equation. Eigenvalue equations. The free particle. Stationary states and expectation values. Operators, physical quantities and expectation values. One Interpretation of the wave-function. Normalisation of the wave function and boundary conditions. dimensional applications including; particle in a box, the finite potential well, reflection and transmission at a potential step, tunnelling, the harmonic oscillator.
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Assessment | Continuous Assessment | 40% | Examination Weight | 60% |
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Indicative Reading List
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1) Introduction to the Structure of Matter by J.J.Brehm and W.J.Mullen.
2) An Introduction to Quantum Physics by A.P.French and E.F.Taylor.
3) Quantum Mechanics by P.C.W.Davies and D.S.Betts
4) Basic Quantum Mechanics by J.L.Martin.
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Programme or List of Programmes
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AP | BSc in Applied Physics |
PF | BSc in Physics with French |
PG | BSc in Physics with German |
PHA | BSc in Physics with Astronomy |
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