640-243 Quantum Mechanics & Thermal Physics

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Physics 640-121 + 640-122 or 640-141 + 640-142; Mathematics: one of 620-111, 620-121, 620-141; one of 620-112, 620-122, 620-142, 620-211; or equivalent.

Pre/corequisites

Mathematics 620-113 or 620-123 or 620-143 or equivalent.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject is in two parts: (i) Half of the subject covers the developments in 20th century physics which led to the formulation of wave mechanics and quantum physics. Specific topics will include the experimental basis of quantum mechanics: black body radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton effect, de Broglie waves and the Davisson-Germer experiment, Bohr quantisation rule; wave-particle duality, probability interpretation and the wave function; wave packets and an introduction to Fourier Transforms; Schrödinger equation and stationary states; one-dimensional examples: potential steps, barriers and wells, linear momentum; expectation values; an idea of 3-dimensional problems and the hydrogen atom. (ii) The other half of the subject explores concepts such as heat, temperature and internal energy via the classical phenomenological approach to thermal physics as well as the atomistic approach provided by kinetic theory. These developments are central to an understanding of many processes in physics, chemistry and engineering. Content includes: Basic concepts: thermodynamic variables; Zeroth law: heat, temperature, temperature dependence of material properties; Equations of state: special processes, differential changes of state, work; First law: internal energy, enthalpy, heat capacities, latent heats; Second law: heat engines, efficiencies, entropy, free energies; Kinetic theory: Maxwell distribution, efflux, transport theory, conductivity, blackbody radiation.

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

• 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.