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Module Title |
Quantum Physics I
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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 Jens Ducrée | Office Number | N236 |
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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 Schrodinger equation is 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 and quantum tunnelling.
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Learning Outcomes
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After studying the material presented in this course the student should be able to:-
- Give a brief account of the experiments that led to the introduction of quantummechanics
- Apply the Bohr theory of the atom to hydrogen and hydrogen like atoms and use this theory to explain and interpret their spectra.
- Quote and interpret the time-independent Schrodinger equation
- Solve the time independent Schrodinger equation for 1-dimensional problems, applying appropriate boundary conditions
- Normalise 1-dimensional wavefunctions -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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Indicative Syllabus:THE PHOTONBlackbody Radiation, Planck Hypothesis, The photoelectric effect, X-Rays, The Compton effect.OLD QUANTUM THEORYThe 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 WAVESDeBroglie hypothesis, Electron Diffraction, Wave-Particle duality, determinism and Randomness, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Waves and Wave Packets.INTRODUCTORY QUANTUM MECHANICSThe free particle. Interpretation of the wave-function. Normalisation of the wave function and boundary conditions. Stationary states and expectation values. One dimensional applications including; particle in a box, the finite potential well and tunnelling.
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| Assessment | | Continuous Assessment | 0% | Examination Weight | 100% |
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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.Betts4) 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 |
| BSSA | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| BSSAO | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| ECSA | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| ECSAO | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| HMSA | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| HMSAO | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| PBM | BSc Physics with Biomedical Sciences |
| PF | BSc in Physics with French |
| PHA | BSc in Physics with Astronomy |
| SE | BSc Science Education |
| SHSA | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| SHSAO | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| SMPSC | Single Module Professional Science |
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