Download document 8913189

Syllabus for Physics 420; Introduction to Quantum Mechanics.
.
-
I. For Whom Intended; This course is intended for junior and senior level
physics majors. Other science or engineering majors with the appropriate
background may also find it useful.
II. Prerequisites; Physics 325 or permission of the instructor.
III. Credit Hours; Three
IV. Objectives of the Course; This course is intended to give the student
an understanding of the historical development of modern physics and the
Schroedinger formulation of quantum mechanics. The student will learn to
apply this methodology to simple physical systems such as square wells,
barriers, the simple harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom. The way in
which quantum mechanics determines the physical characteristics of
multi-electron atoms will also be discussed.
V. Course Content; The course will include discussion of the following
topiCS;
A) Historical Development of Modern Physics ..
1) Planck's Law.
2) Photoelectricity.
3) Rutherford's Experiments
4) Bohr Theory.
5) DeBroglie's Hypothesis.
6) The Uncertainty Principle.
B) Development of Quantum Mechanics.
1) Schroedinger's Equation.
2) The Heisenberg Approach to Quantum Mechanics.
3) Interpretation and Philosophical Implications.
C) Applications of Schroedinger's Theory.
I ) Square Wells and Barriers.
2) The Simple Harmonic Oscillator.
3) The Hydrogen Atom.
D) Characteristics of Multi-electron atoms.
1) Spin and Orbital Angular Momentum Coupl1ng.
2) Energy Levels.
3) Spectra and Transition Rules.
Bibliography; Typically the text selected will contain all of the material
to be covered as well as problems to be assigned. Outside reading
aSSignments are rare.
Sample Texts; Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Sol ids Nuclej and
partjcles, Robert Eisberg and Robert Resnick, John Wiley and Sons, 1974.
Foundations of Modern Ph~, Paul A. Tipler, 'worth Publ ishers Inc.,
1980.
VI. Instruct ional t-1ethods and Grading; Instruction wi II be by convent ional
lecture rnethod for three fifty- rninute periods per week or the equivalent.
Problem aSSignments will be rnade periodical1y and used in grading. A
student's grade wi' 1 be determined on the basis of problem aSSignments