PHY1118 Quantum and Astronomical Phenomena

2007-2008

Code: PHY1118
Title: Quantum and Astronomical Phenomena
Instructors: Prof. J.R. Sambles and Dr D.J. Price
CATS credits: 10
ECTS credits: 5
Availability: unrestricted
Level: 1
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Background Assumed: AS level Physics or equivalent
Duration: Semester I
Directed Study Time: 22 lectures
Private Study Time: 66 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: 12 hours
Observation report: 2003/04 RJ (JRS)

Aims

This module is deliberately qualitative and very broad in its approach. It is designed to introduce students to a wide range of new physics arising from quantum mechanics which underpin many other modules throughout the programme. The delivery of the module is at a level which accommodates the fact that the students mathematical and physics skills have not developed to the level at which they could cope with a traditional module in this area. The aim is to promote understanding of fundamental ideas together with encouraging students to find out more themselves.

Intended Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, the student should be able to:

Module Specific Skills

• describe the limits of classical mechanics at the atomic level;
• explain what is meant by wave-particle duality how the concept is supported by the experimental evidence;
• state the basic assumptions of quantum mechanics and be able to apply them in simple cases including the De Broglie relationship, the uncertainty relationships, and Schrödinger's equation;
• describe the quantum nature of atoms, elementary particles and the vacuum and to discuss the consequences in simple cases;
• relate observed astrononmical observations to the underlying quantum phenomena;

Discipline Specific Skills

• use appropriate sources of information, visualise difficult concepts;

Personal and Key Skills

• listen actively and with purpose.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Lectures and problems classes.

Assignments

Directed background reading. Preparation for problems classes.

Assessment

Problems-class assignments (10%), two 30-minute tests (40%) and one 90-minute examination (50%).

Syllabus Plan and Content

Note: page references in square brackets refer to the recommended texts.

1. Introduction
2. Waves versus Particles [H&W pp1-12]
   1. Light and quantum mechanics [Y&F p1156]
   2. The double-slit experiment [Y&F p1139, p1167]
3. Heisenberg and Uncertainty [H&W pp13-21]
   1. Watching electrons [Y&F p1273]
   2. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle [Y&F p1277]
   3. Uncertainty and photography [Y&F p1261]
4. Schrödinger and Matter Waves [H&W pp27-31]
   1. de Broglie's matter waves [Y&F p1271]
   2. Schrödinger's equation [Y&F p1298]
   3. Quantized energy levels [Y&F p1301]
   4. Barrier penetration [Y&F p1305]
   5. Wave tunnelling [Y&F p1305]
5. Atoms [H&W pp36-52]
   1. Rutherford's nuclear atom [Y&F p1243]
   2. The Bohr model [Y&F p1246]
   3. The hydrogen atom [Y&F p1320]
   4. Wave functions and quantum numbers [Y&F p1284]
6. The Elements - Fermions [H&W pp74-86]
   1. Electron spin and Pauli's exclusion principle [Y&F pp1331]
   2. The elements [Y&F p1335]
   3. Metals, insulators and semiconductors [Y&F p1349]
7. Bosons and Superfluids [H&W pp109-122]
   1. Laser light [Y&F p1251]
   2. Bose condensation and superfluid helium
8. Particles [H&W pp141-147,155-158]
   1. The birth of particle physics [Y&F p1421]
   2. Quarks and gluons [Y&F p1438]
9. Stars
   1. Nuclear physics and alpha decay [Y&F p1383]
   2. Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission [Y&F p1408]
   3. Nucleosynthesis
   4. Neutron stars and pressure in Fermi systems
10. Radiation in the Universe
    1. Radio waves
    2. Visble light
    3. X-rays and gama rays
    4. How radiation scatters
11. The Universe
    1. Birth
    2. Expansion
    3. Death
12. The Quantum Vacuum [H&W pp123-132]
    1. Dirac and antiparticles [Y&F pp1422]
    2. Feynman diagrams and virtual particles
    3. Zero-point motion and vacuum fluctuations

Core Text

Young H.D. and Freedman R.A. (2000), University Physics (with Modern Physics) (10^th edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-60336-5 (UL: 530 YOU)

Supplementary Text(s)

Harrison E.R. (1981), Cosmology: the Science of the Universe, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-22981-2 (UL: 523.1 HAR/X)
Hey T. and Walters P.W. (1987), The Quantum Universe, CUP, ISBN 0-521-31845-9 (UL: 530.12HEY)

Formative Mechanisms

This module is supported by problems classes and tutorials. Students are able to monitor their own progress by attempting problems sheets provided in the lectures. The graded mid-semester test scripts are discussed by tutors. Students with specific problems should first approach their tutor, and if the problem is not resolved, the lecturer.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.