Quantum Mechanics (U01355)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 9 ? Acronym : PHY-3-QuantMech

This course covers non-relativistic quantum mechanics, supplying the basic concepts and tools needed to understand the physics of atoms, molecules, and the solid state. One-dimensional wave mechanics is reviewed. The postulates and calculational rules of quantum mechanics are introduced, including Dirac notation. Angular momentum and spin are shown to be quantized, and the corresponding wave-function symmetries are discussed. The Schrodinger equation is solved for a number of important cases, including the harmonic oscillator and the Hydrogen atom. Approximate methods of solution are studied, including time-independent perturbation theory, with application to atomic structure.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Physics 2B: Waves, Quantum Physics and Materials (PHY-2-B); Foundations of Mathematical Physics (PHY-2-FoMP) or Principles of Mathematical Physics (PHY-2-PoMP).

? Co-requisites : Physical Mathematics (PHY-3-PhMath) or equivalent.

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

Quantum Mechanics (VS1) (Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2))

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 4 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
19/09/2006	09:00	10:00	Lecture Theatre C, JCMB	KB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	09:00	09:50	KB
Lecture	Friday	09:00	09:50	KB

? Additional Class Information : Workshop/tutorial sessions, as arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course it is intended that a student will be able to:
1)State the basic postulates of quantum mechanics
2)State the compatibility theorem
3)Know how to separate the time dependent Schrodinger Equation into temporal and spatial eigenvalue equations
4)Know how to write the 3-d time independent Schrodinger equation with central potential in terms of a radial and an angular equation
5)Be able to solve the Schrodinger Equation for the 1-d and 3-d harmonic oscillator
6)Be able to solve the Schrodinger Equation for the hydrogen atom
7)Be able to solve the harmonic oscillator problem using purely operator methods
8)Understand angular momentum both in terms of solutions to the angular part of the 3-Schrodinger Equation and in terms of purely operator methods
9)Be able to state the Angular Momentum Addition Theorem and the Spin-Statistics Theorem
10)Understand how to use perturbation theory for approximatly solving the Schrodinger Equation