Courses:

Quantum Physics I >> Content Detail



Syllabus



Syllabus

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Course Description


Quantum Physics I explores the experimental basis of quantum mechanics, including:

  • Photoelectric effect
  • Compton scattering
  • Photons
  • Franck-Hertz experiment
  • The Bohr atom, electron diffraction
  • deBroglie waves
  • Wave-particle duality of matter and light

This class also provides an introduction to wave mechanics, via:

  • Schrödinger's equation
  • Wave functions
  • Wave packets
  • Probability amplitudes
  • Stationary states
  • The Heisenberg uncertainty principle
  • Zero-point energies
  • Solutions to Schrödinger's equation in one dimension
    • Transmission and reflection at a barrier
    • Barrier penetration
    • Potential wells
    • The simple harmonic oscillator
  • Schrödinger's equation in three dimensions
    • Central potentials
    • Introduction to hydrogenic systems


Prerequisites


In order to register for 8.04, students must have previously completed Vibrations and Waves (8.03) or Electrodynamics (6.014), and Differential Equations (18.03 or 18.034) with a grade of C or higher.



Textbooks




Required


Amazon logo Gasiorowicz, Stephen. Quantum Physics. 3rd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2003. ISBN: 9780471057000.



Strongly Recommended


Amazon logo French, A. P., and Edwin F. Taylor. Introduction to Quantum Physics. New York, NY: Norton, 1978. ISBN: 9780393090154.



Read Again and Again


Amazon logo Feynman, Richard P., Robert B. Leighton, and Matthew L. Sands. The Feynman Lectures on Physics: Commemorative Issue. Vol. 3. Redwood City, CA: Addison-Wesley, 1989. ISBN: 9780201510058.



References


Amazon logo Liboff, Richard L. Introductory Quantum Mechanics. 4th ed. San Francisco, CA: Addison Wesley, 2003. ISBN: 9780805387148.

Amazon logo Eisberg, Robert Martin, and Robert Resnick. Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles. New York, NY: Wiley, 1974. ISBN: 9780471873730.



Problem Sets


The weekly problem sets are an essential part of the course. Working through these problems is crucial to understanding the material deeply. After attempting each problem by yourself, we encourage you to discuss the problems with the teaching staff and with each other--this is an excellent way to learn physics! However, you must write-up your solutions by yourself. Your solutions should not be transcriptions or reproductions of someone else's work, or of a 'bible' from a previous year.

Problem sets will generally be assigned on Thursdays, and will be due on the following Thursday by 4:00 PM. Problem set solutions are in the assignments section.

For practical, not punitive reasons, late homework will not be graded. For conflicts that are known in advance, such as religious holidays or travel, arrangements should be made to turn in problem sets before the deadline. For unforeseen circumstances such as illness or emergencies, the lecturer or recitation instructor, at their discretion, may delete one problem set from the calculation of the homework grade. Requests for re-grading of homework or exam problems must be made within 7 days after the assignment/exam is handed back in recitation.



Exams


There will be two in-class exams. There will also be a comprehensive final exam, scheduled by the registrar and held during the final exam period.



Grading Policy



ACTIVITIESPERCENTAGES
Exam 120%
Exam 220%
Final exam40%
Problem sets20%



Calendar



LEC #TOPICS
1Overview, scale of quantum mechanics, boundary between classical and quantum phenomena
2Planck's constant, interference, Fermat's principle of least time, deBroglie wavelength
3Double slit experiment with electrons and photons, wave particle duality, Heisenberg uncertainty
4Wavefunctions and wavepackets, probability and probability amplitude, probability density
5Thomson atom, Rutherford scattering
6Photoelectric effect, X-rays, Compton scattering, Franck Hertz experiment
7Bohr model, hydrogen spectral lines
8Bohr correspondence principle, shortcomings of Bohr model, Wilson-Sommerfeld quantization rules
9Schrödinger equation in one dimension, infinite 1D well
In-class exam 1
10Eigenfunctions as basis, interpretation of expansion coefficients, measurement
11Operators and expectation values, time evolution of eigenstates, classical limit, Ehrenfest's theorem
12Eigenfunctions of p and x, Dirac delta function, Fourier transform
13Wavefunctions and operators in position and momentum space, commutators and uncertainty
14Motion of wavepackets, group velocity and stationary phase, 1D scattering off potential step
15Boundary conditions, 1D problems: Finite square well, delta function potential
16More 1D problems, tunneling
17Harmonic oscillator: Series method
In-class exam 2
18Harmonic oscillator: Operator method, Dirac notation
19Schrödinger equation in 3D: Cartesian, spherical coordinates
20Angular momentum, simultaneous eigenfunctions
21Spherical harmonics
22Hydrogen atom: Radial equation
23Hydrogen atom: 3D eigenfunctions and spectrum
24Entanglement, Einstein-Podolsky Rosen paradox
Final exam

 








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