PH4656 Quantum Mechanics

Free particles and wave packets, the uncertainty principle, Schrodinger equation, eigen states and eigen functions, stationary and scattering states, identical particles and the exclusion principle, atomic energy levels, quantum theory of angular momentum, hydrogen atom, coupling of angular momentum with spin, the periodic table, nuclear structure and radioactivity; fission and fusion, time independent perturbation theory, time dependent perturbation theory; selection rules for dipole radiation, magnetic effects (MRI, GMR etc.), quantum computing.

Prerequisite

PH2652, PH3152, PH3991

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

1

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

·       Understand how classical mechanics fails in the quantum regime

·       Understand the physics associated with the wavefunction, including:

o   The statistical interpretation

• Normalization
• The uncertainty principle
• Continuous versus discrete variables

• Solve time-independent potential problems using the Schrödinger equation including:

• Infinite Square Well
• Harmonic oscillator
• Free particle

• Begin to understand quantum mechanics in 3-dimensions
• Understand the concept of “spin”
• Understand systems of identical particles
• Understand non-degenerate, time-independent perturbation theory
• Begin to understand basic concepts in entanglement