Quantum Mechanics Status:

Availability:

Recommended:

0.5 Code: Core for all programmes

Autumn Term

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Course Content:

Teaching & Learning Methods

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Professor A M Moore

Professor A M Moore

To study in depth the use of Schrodinger's equation to solve problems involving the motion of a particle in a potential in one and three dimensions. To demonstrate how the solution predicts quantization of the energy of the particle and the need to introduce other quantum numbers to describe its behaviour. To demonstrate the solution to Schrodinger's equation for the hydrogen atom and to provide a simple understanding of the periodic table. To introduce the concept of mixed states.

By the end of the course students should be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the use of Schrodinger's equation. They should be able to solve the equation for a number of simple potentials including the square well, the simple harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom. For each of these they should be able to sketch the potential, the energy level diagram and typical wave functions. They should be able to provide the definition of terms such as normalization and parity of wave functions, and degeneracy.and to explain quantitatively the phenomenon of quantum mechanical tunnelling.

Review of the failure of classical physics and the introduction of quantum ideas; the uncertainty principle. Schrodinger's equation; the wave function and its interpretation.

Operators, eigenvalues, eigenfunctions, expectation values; commutation relations, non- commutation.

Applications of Schrodinger's equation in one-dimension: free particle, square well, harmonic oscillator; potential step, barrier and tunnelling (including alpha decay).

Applications of Schrodinger's equation in three dimensions: particles in a rectilinear box, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom. The exclusion principle, atomic structure and the periodic table. Mixed states, Schrodinger's cat.

22 lectures and about 10 problem classes Private study time, to be used for learning the material in detail, answering coursework problems and revision.

A detailed set of printed lecture notes, also available on the department web site.

B H Bransden & C J Joachain, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Longman, 2"d edition 2000. A P French & E F Taylor, An Introduction to Quantum Physics, van Nostrand Reinhold, 1978.

Student answered problem sheets that will be marked, returned and discussed during problem classes. Exam: - Two-hour examination - one compulsory question + two others to be answered out of four (90%) Coursework: Best five of six coursework assignments (10%).

Deadlines: Stated with each problem sheet and normally about 10 days from the date issued.

Title:

Prerequisites:

pH22 10A

Quantum Mechanics

PHI3 10 & pH1530

Course Value:

l.. l

PH2210AN.XLS annual monitoring return Printed 08/09/2004 16:Ot

PH221 OA QUANTUM MECHANICS Physics BSc

PH2210A Value 0.50

Entrants 27 Mean 60.58

I 8 Ila 4 Ilb 2 Ill 4

F 6 Others 3

00 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Mark band

Course leader's name: 1 professor Moreton Moore I Number enrolled: 1 27 Please ensure that comments take account of joint and combined honours as well as single honours students.

A: Course leader's report (approx 100 words) Please evaluate student performance in light of the statistical data, explaining any anomalies. Is there any aspect of the content, delivery, assessment etc. which needs revision? To what extent have the course's learning outcomes been achieved? This year the course was given by Professor Moreton Moore. The mean examination mark was considerably greater than last year's. It was particularly pleasing to see six students achieve more than 90% - And one of these scored full marks! At the other end of the distribution, however, the six failures were regretted. One of these, despite many reminders, had not done any coursework. Another was repeating the year. Interestingly, another two were Mathematics and Physics students. Considering the large proportion of mathematics in this course, this was somewhat surprising.

The Head of Department commented that the course was challeging and that students found their private study improved their undertanding. They made good use of the book references.

B: Issues identified by students Please describe issues, the means by which feedback was collected (questionnaires, student-staff committee etc.) and the % participation in the feedback mechanism. Student questionnaires gave an overall score of 87 (on a return of 81 %), again considerably up from last year.

The Students' Union awarded Prof Moore one of the prestigious 'Apple for the Teacher' awards citing, among other things, that he is a fantastic and supportive lecturer, well loved by all in the Physics Department, who is known affectionately as the 'human printer' due to his immaculate handwriting and who never fails to inspire.

C: Issues identified by visiting or internal examiners (i.e. specific comments on this course or whether general comments apply).

One of the external examiners remarked that this was a demanding exam.

D: Action points for department (e.g. where the results are anomalous or where the course needs to be formally amended) and timetable for implementation.

None.