COURSE GOALS: The main objective of the course Quantum physics is to introduce students to the basic concepts of quantum physics, mathematical formulation of quantum physics including Schrödinger equation and its application to illustrative examples.
LEARNING OUTCOMES AT THE LEVEL OF THE PROGRAMME:
1. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1.1. demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the fundamental laws of classical and modern physics
1.2. demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the most important physics theories (logical and mathematical structure, experimental support, described physical phenomena)
1.6. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of new insights into contemporary physics, informatics and technology teaching methods and strategies
2. APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
2.1. identify and describe important aspects of a particular physical phenomenon or problem
2.3. recognize and follow the logic of arguments, evaluate the adequacy of arguments and construct well supported arguments
2.4. use mathematical methods to solve standard physics problems
3. MAKING JUDGMENTS
3.1. develop a critical scientific attitude towards research in general, and in particular by learning to critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data
4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
4.1. communicate effectively with pupils and colleagues
4.2. present complex ideas clearly and concisely
4.5. use the written and oral English language communication skills that are essential for pursuing a career in physics and education
5. LEARNING SKILLS
5.1. search for and use professional literature as well as any other sources of relevant information;
5.2. remain informed of new developments and methods in physics, informatics, technology and education
5.3. develop a personal sense of responsibility for their professional advancement and development
LEARNING OUTCOMES SPECIFIC FOR THE COURSE:
Upon finishing this course, students will be able to:
1. Specify and explain structure and properties of matter and waves in the interpretation of classical physics; specify typical experiments that cannot be interpreted by classical physics
2. Describe and explain blackbody radiation and theory of cavity radiation
3. Describe and explain apparatus used to study the photoelectric effect and theoretical interpretation of the photoelectric effect
4. Describe and explain the dual nature of electromagnetic radiation and matter
5. Apply mathematical methods to models of atom introduction, solve the models and explain solutions
6. Introduce the Schrödinger equation by combining de Broglie's postulate and wave theory
7. Describe and explain physical interpretation of wave functions
8. Solve time-independent Schrödinger equation and interpret the solutions for various potentials
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Lectures per weeks:
1. Structure and properties of matter, classical physics and the beginning of quantum physics;
2. Blackbody radiation, classical theory of cavity radiation, Planck's theory of cavity radiation;
3. The photoelectric effect - Millikan's experiment, Einstein's quantum theory of the photoelectric effect;
4. The Compton Effect, the dual nature of electromagnetic radiation, photons and X-rays;
5. Matter waves - de Broglie's postulate, Davisson-Germer experiment, Thomson's experiment, the wave-particle duality;
6. The uncertainty principle, interpretation, Born's interpretation of duality of matter, properties of matter waves - phase and group velocity, derivation of the uncertainty principle from de Broglie postulate; some consequences of the uncertainty principle;
7. Thompson's model of the atom, Rutherford's model of the atom, the stability of the nuclear atom, radiation by an accelerated classical charged body;
8. Atomic spectra, line spectra of hydrogen, Bohr's postulates, correction for finite nuclear mass, atomic energy states
9. The interpretation of quantization rules, the Sommerfeld's model, the correspondence principle and selection rules;
10. Plausibility argument leading to Schrödinger's equation, Born's interpretation of wave functions, expected values;
11. Time-independent Schrödinger equation, required properties of wave functions, energy quantization in the Schrödinger theory;
12. Solutions of the time-independent Schrödinger equation: a free particle, the step potential - energy less than step height;
13. The step potential - energy greater than step height, the barrier potential, examples of the barrier potentials;
14. The infinite square well potential, potential of the simple harmonic oscillator;
15. Three dimensional Schrödinger equation, separation of variables in spherical coordinates, one-electron atoms: eigenvalues, quantum numbers, degeneracy, eigenfunctions.
REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS:
Students are required to attend classes regularly and actively participate in exercises.
GRADING AND ASSESSING THE WORK OF STUDENTS:
The exams are written and oral. In the written part, 40% and 60% refer to the theoretical and numerical tasks, respectively.
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- R. Eisberg and R. Resnick, Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Solids, Nuclei and Particles, John Wiley and Sons, 1985.
- R. L. Liboff, Introductory Quantum Mechanics, Addison-Wesley, 2002.
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