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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics

640-249 Quantum Structure of Matter

Credit Points:

6.25

Coordinator:

Dr A Roberts

Prerequisite/s:

Physics 640-223 or 640-243.

Pre/Corequisite/s:

Mathematics 618-231.

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

18 lectures and 9 x 1-hour tutorials

Objectives:

By the completion of this course the student should:

  • appreciate how quantum mechanics explains the structure of simple atomic systems such as hydrogen;

  • appreciate qualitative and/or semi-quantitative aspects of the understanding of more complicated quantum systems such as molecules and solids;

  • understand the basic structure of quantum statistical mechanics and how this provides a microscopic picture of the laws of thermodynamics.

Content:

Three-dimensional quantum mechanical problems: partial derivatives, separation of variables, spherical harmonics and the orbital angular momentum operator, hydrogen atom; qualitative, empirical and semi-quantitative introduction to many-particle systems, such as many-electron atoms, molecules and solids, Pauli Principle and intrinsic spin. Elementary statistical mechanics; microstates and macrostates of system, probability distribution, fermions and bosons; entropy; partition function.

Assessment:

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20% of the final marks.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Serway R A, Moses C J and Moyer C A, Modern Physics, Saunders.
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.