Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2021 - 2022
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Description This module begins with a discussion of the experiments on Black Body Radiation, the Photoelectric Effect, the Compton Effect, line spectra and electron diffraction 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 Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and early models of the atom leading to the Bohr Theory. The time independent Schrödinger 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, quantum tunneling the harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom. Fermions and boson are described in terms of symmetry. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Outline the experimental work and interpretation leading to quantum physics 2. Distinguish between classical and quantum mechanical description of physical phenomena 3. Discuss characteristic phenomena of quantum mechanics such as wave-particle duality, quantization of energy, Heisenberg's uncertainty relation, concept of probability and wave functions 4. Explain the role of the Schrödinger equation 5. Apply the Schrödinger wave equation to simple, idealized situations 6. Sketch atomic models and explain the origin of spectral lines | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Lecture Series: Review & introduction to the mathematics of the Schrödinger approach to quantum mechanics.Complex numbers; differential equations and their solutions - judicious guessing, series solutions, separation of variables; probability distributions; light as a wave, reduced mass.Lecture Series: Problems with classical mechanics.Emission spectra - blackbody, line; the photoelectric effect; the Compton effect.Lecture series: Wave-particle duality and the Bohr model.Matter waves; the uncertainty principle according to Heisenberg; the Bohr model of single-electron atoms.Wave MechanicsThe Schrödinger equation - justification, Born interpretation of the wave function, the time independent Schrödinger equation, the uncertainty principle from the Schrödinger equation.Solutions to the Schrödinger equationThe free particle, potential steps, potential barrier, infinite well, the harmonic oscillator. Fermions and bosons, single electron atom, the periodic table.Tutorial ProblemsWeekly worked-problem worksheets covering lecturer material.AssignmentsWeekly assignments covering lecture material. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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