640-249 Quantum Structure of Matter

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Physics 640-223 or 640-243.

Pre/corequisites

Mathematics 620-231.

(For subjects completed prior to 1998, the Mathematics and Statistics departmental code 620- should be replaced by the superseded Mathematics departmental code 618-)

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

In this subject quantum mechanics is used to explain the structure of simple atomic systems such as hydrogen. This is extended to the qualitative study of aspects of more complex quantum systems such as molecules and solids. Quantum statistical mechanics is also introduced to provide a microscopic picture of the laws of thermodynamics. The content includes: 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.
• Sears F W and Salinger G L, Thermodynamics Kinetic Theory and Statistical Mechanics. 3rd Ed Addison-Wesley.