PHY2022 Quantum Mechanics I
2011-2012
Code: PHY2022
Level: 2
Title: Quantum Mechanics I
Instructors:
Dr A. Usher
CATS Credit Value: 15
ECTS Credit Value: 7.5
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Duration:
T1:01-11
Availability: unrestricted
Background Assumed: -
Total Student Study Time
150 hours, to include:
22×1-hour lectures;
44 hours directed self-study;
10 hours of problems class support;
3 hours of tutorial support;
72 hours private study.
Aims
Quantum Mechanics is one of the fundamental building-blocks of Physics. It affects profoundly the
way we think about the universe and is the basis for much of condensed-matter, nuclear and
statistical physics. It also has a strong influence on technological developments, for instance in
optical and electronic devices. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the basic
principles of quantum mechanics and to the solutions of problems, which
permit straightforward mathematical analysis. These solutions demonstrate many of the general features of
the subject and prepare the students for subsequent courses such as
PHY3052 Nuclear and High-Energy Particle Physics.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Module Specific Skills:
- describe the definition and interpretation of the wavefunction and of operators in quantum
mechanics;
- discuss the origin of energy quantisation and quantum tunnelling effects;
- describe the general properties of the stationary states of quantum particles confined to
simple symmetric potentials;
- perform calculations on wavefunctions, and solve the Schrödinger
equation for a range of problems;
- use time-independent perturbation theory to solve problems and interpret results;
- explain the origin of the un-coupled set of quantum numbers for the hydrogen
atom and the form of the associated eigenfunctions;
- Discipline Specific Skills:
- use the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems;
- explain quantum mechanics to a lay-person in an informed manner;
- Personal Transferable Skills:
- meet deadlines for completion of work for problems classes and develop appropriate
time-management strategies;
- construct arguments that explain observations;
- solve problems by using mathematics;
- use a range of resources to develop an understanding of topics through independent study.
Learning / Teaching Methods
Lectures, e-Learning resources (ELE PHY2022),
and problems classes.
Assessment and Assignments
Contribution | Assessment/Assignment | Size (duration/length) | When |
10% | Problem Sets | 8×2hrs | Weekly |
15% | Mid-term Test | 30 minutes | Week T1:06 |
75% | Final examination | 120 minutes | Week T2:00 |
Formative | Guided self-study | 5×6-hour packages | Fortnightly |
Syllabus Plan and Content
- Introduction
Brief historical survey; recap of PHY1022;
what is required of the theory; the wave equation; time-dependent Schrödinger equation
- Wave Functions and their Interpretation
The Born probability interpretation; normalization of the wave function; first postulate;
wave function of a free particle; wave function of a confined particle;
Gaussian wave packets (Self-study pack): the uncertainty principle; time evolution of wave packets
- Dynamical Variables
Observables as operators; the second postulate; the third postulate;
physical significance of eigenfunctions;
Schrödinger equation revisited
- Stationary States and the Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation
Time-independent probability distributions; the time-independent Schrödinger equation;
stationary states: eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian;
example: region of constant potential; method of solution ; boundary conditions
- Particle in a Box - the Infinite Square Well
Internal solution; boundary conditions; energy quantization; normalized wave functions
- The Finite Square Potential Well (Self-study pack)
Interior and exterior solutions; boundary conditions; symmetric solutions - energies and wave functions;
antisymmetric solutions - energies and wave functions
- Flow of Particles
Probability flux; continuity equation; persistence of normalization; derivation of probability flux
- Barrier Problems
Boundary conditions at a potential discontinuity; a potential step;
tunnelling: reflection and transmission by a barrier;
practical examples of tunnelling
- Quantum Measurement and the Structure of Quantum Mechanics
Properties of Hermitian operators; the superposition principle: fourth postulate;
measurements of a general quantum state; commutation relations and simultaneous observables;
the uncertainty principle; commutation with the Hamiltonian;
summary: the postulates of quantum mechanics
- The Quantum Harmonic Oscillator
Hamiltonian in operator form; ladder operators; eigenvalues and eigenfunctions
- The 3D Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation
Momentum eigenfunctions in 3D;
Schrödinger equation in 3D Cartesian coordinates (Self-study pack);
example: particle in a 3D box;
Schrödinger equation in spherical polar coordinates
- Angular Momentum
Cartesian representation of angular momentum operators; commutation relations;
polar representation of angular momentum operators; eigenfunctions and eigenvalues;
example: Rotational energy levels of a diatomic molecule
- The Hydrogen Atom
Solutions of the angular equation; solutions of the radial equation;
energy eigenvalues - the hydrogen spectrum; electron density distributions
- First-Order Time-Independent Perturbation Theory
Perturbation theory for non-degenerate levels; perturbation theory for degenerate levels
Core Text
Rae A.I.M. (
2007),
Quantum Mechanics (
5th edition),
Chapman and Hal,
ISBN 1-584-88970-5 (UL:
530.12 RAE)
Supplementary Text(s)
McMurry S.M. (
1994),
Quantum Mechanics,
Addison Wesley,
ISBN 0-201-54439-3 (UL:
530.12 MCM)
IOP Accreditation Compliance Checklist
- QM-05: Wave function and its interpretation
- QM-06: Standard solutions and quantum numbers to the level of the hydrogen atom
- QM-07: Tunnelling
- QM-08: First order time independent perturbation theory
Formative Mechanisms
The problems that students are set on this module are marked and discussed in detail in the problems
classes and in tutorials. Students monitor their own progress by attempting the problems set.
Students who need additional guidance are encouraged to discuss the matter with their tutor or 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.