640-234 Further Classical & Quantum Mechanics

Note

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(For subjects completed prior to 1998, the Mathematics and Statistics departmental code 620- should be replaced by the superseded Mathematics departmental code 618-)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

This subject is in two parts. (i) Half of the subject deals with the powerful and elegant Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics. As well as supplying new tools for problems in classical mechanics, these approaches also lead to deeper insights into the relationship between classical and quantum mechanics. Lagrangian dynamics is a valuable precursor to Honours-level studies in theoretical physics. Topics include: Review of Newtonian mechanics; Lagrangian formulation: constraints, generalised coordinates, Lagrange's equations; Hamilton's variational principle, the action; Selected applications; Hamiltonian formulation: conjugate momenta, Hamilton's equations, phase space, Poisson brackets; the Hamiltonian in quantum theory. (ii) The other half of the subject deals with the further development of quantum mechanics, especially in relation to three-dimensional problems and the structure of matter. Topics include: Spherical harmonics and angular momentum, hydrogen atom; Introduction to many-electron atoms, Pauli Principle and intrinsic spin; quantum statistical physics.

Assessment

A 3-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

• Arya A P, Introduction to Classical Mechanics. Allyn & Bacon. Serway R A, Moses C J and Moyer C A, Modern Physics, Saunders.