Course Outline

Phys 231 is an overview of modern physics with a strong emphasis on quantum mechanics and its applications. Quantum mechanics was developed in the early twentieth century in response to several observed phenomena which could not be described by classical physics. This theory successfully solved many outstanding problems, particularly those related to physics at the microscopic level, and currently provides the broadest understanding of the physical world at the most fundamental levels. A majority of physics research activity today involves quantum mechanics in some form. Quantum mechanics is essential for understanding how elements of modern technology such as lasers, semiconductors, superconductors, nuclear reactors, and magnetic resonance operate. It also gives rise to many apparently bizarre phenomena, which are completely counter-intuitive and inexplicable from your everyday classical perspective. Almost a century after its invention, experts still do not agree on the interpretation of such fundamental features as measurement or preparation of a quantum system.

The course will cover the following topics subject to minor modifications.

  1. Historical quantum physics phenomena.
  2. Particle diffraction and matter waves.
  3. One dimensional Schrodinger equation and applications such as confined particles.
  4. Three dimensional Schrodinger equation, angular momentum and the hydrogen atom.
  5. Identical particles.
  6. Spin-1/2 particles.
  7. Selected applications of quantum physics.

Homework Assignments

Due: 27 January 2020 Homework 1
Due: 3 February 2020 Homework 2
Due: 10 February 2020 Homework 3
Due: 17 February 2020 Homework 4
Due: 26 February 2020 Homework 5
Due: 2 March 2020 Homework 6
Due: 9 March 2020 Homework 7
Due: 1 April 2020 Homework 8
Due: 8 April 2020 Homework 9
Due: 15 April 2020 Homework 10
Due: 27 April 2020 Homework 11
Due: 6 May 2020 Homework 12

Exams

There will be two exams during class on the following dates: Friday 21 February 2020 and Monday 20 April 2020. There will be a comprehensive final exam on Wednesday 13 May 2020.

Exams and solutions from this semester.

Solutions will be posted after each exam has been graded.

Spring 2020 Class exam 1
Spring 2020 Class exam 1: Solutions
Spring 2020 Class exam 2
Spring 2020 Class exam 2: Solutions

Links and Animations

  1. Reference Sources
    1. Physlink Reference information and data, including decimal system notation, physical constants, math constants, astro-physical constants, etc,....
    2. Eric Weinstein's World of Physics Encyclopedia of Physics maintained by Wolfram Research. Entries at a variety of technical levels.
    3. Periodic Table of Elements WebElements site.
    4. NIST Databases Administered by the National Institute for Standards and Technology. The final word in physical data. Intended for professionals.
  2. Animations
    1. PhET From the University of Colorado.
    2. LTU Applets Collection of simulations provided by Scott Schneider, Lawrence Technological University.
    3. Animations for Physics and Astronomy Collection of simulations from the Penn State University, Schuylkill.
    4. Physclips Collection of simulations from the University of New South Wales, Australia.
  3. Historical Quantum Phenomena
    1. Hydrogen atom models From PhET, the University of Colorado. Alternative link here.
    2. Molar Heat Capacity of Copper From Stevens and Boerio-Gates, J. Chem. Therm. vol 36, p 857 (2004).
    3. Blackbody Spectrum From PhET, the University of Colorado.
    4. Photoelectric Effect From PhET, the University of Colorado.
    5. A Direct Photoelectric Determination of Planck's "h", R. A. Millikan, Phys. Rev. 7, 355 (1916). Millikan's original article on the verification of Einstein's model of eth photoelectric effect.
    6. Photon Absorption: Photoelectric Effect. From PSU Schuylkill.
    7. Photon Absorption: Atom Excitation. From Michael Richmond, RIT.
    8. Coherent Scattering. From From PSU Schuylkill.
    9. X-ray Production. Youtube video from Succeed Technologies.
    10. X-ray Diffraction Patterns. From University of Pennsylvania.
  4. Photon Interference
    1. Quantum Wave Interference From PhET, the University of Colorado. Alternative link here.
    2. Photon interference From the Lyman page, Princeton University.
  5. Particle Wave Phenomena
    1. Rutherford Scattering From PhET, The University of Colorado. Alternative link here.
    2. Electron interference patterns from IMM Institute of the Italian National Research Council (CNR)
    3. Electron Scattering Davisson-Germer experiment. From PhET, The University of Colorado. Alternative link here.
    4. Single Slit Diffraction of Neutrons, C. G. Shull, Phys. Rev. 179, 252 (1969). Description of a neuutron single slit diffraction experiment.
    5. Single and Double Slit Diffraction of Neutrons, A. Zeilinger, R. Gahler, C. G. Shull, W Treimer, W Mampe, Rev. Mod. Phys. 60, 1067 (1988). Description of a neutron single and double slit diffraction experiments.
    6. Colloquium: Quantum interference of clusters and molecules, K. Hornberger, et. al., Rev. Mod. Phys. 84, 157 (2012). Description of a particle interference experiments.
    7. Fullerene Diffraction From Anton Zeilinger, University of Innsbruck, Austria,
    8. Electron microscopy Assorted images from Wikipedia.
    9. Electron diffraction Images from NIH.
  6. Atomic spectra and atomic models
    1. Hydrogen Spectrum from McQuarrie and Simon.
    2. Emission Spectra From Southeastern Lousiana University.
    3. Models of the Hydrogen Atom From PhET, The University of Colorado. Alternative link here.
  7. Bound states
    1. Quantum Bound States PhET, The University of Colorado. Alternative link here.
    2. 1-d Quantum States From Paul Falstad.
    3. Quantum Dots From Nanohub. Tutorials and applications.
    4. Quantum Dots Available from CD Bioparticles. Describes applications.
  8. Oscillators
    1. Normal Modes PhET, The University of Colorado.
    2. Trapped Ion Quantum Information Chris Monroe's group, University of Maryland.
    3. Molecular Vibrations from Edwin Scauble, University of California at Los Angeles.