Foundations of Quantum Physics
In this module, we will explore the failure of classical physics to explain the properties of light and matter and how this led to the development of a powerful new theory - Quantum Physics. The new theory was developed by many scientists over the early decades of the 20th century. Quantum physics challenges our preconceptions of how radiation and matter ought to behave and explains how nature actually behaves! We will explore origins of quantum physics, review the experimental evidence for quantisation and establish the key concepts that form the physical foundations of our understanding of radiation and matter at the microscopic scale.
This module aims to introduce the concepts and the experimental foundations of quantum physics. You will apply your mathematical skills to carry out calculations related to quantum mechanical problems and acquire an understanding of the impact of quantum theory on contemporary science.
The learning objectives for this Module are to develop:
An understanding why classical physics failed to describe the properties of light and microscopic systems.
A basic knowledge on the experimental and theoretical concepts on which quantum physics is founded.
To develop an understanding of the structure of atoms and its experimental foundations.
To develop understanding of Bohr's theory of the atom and its application to the H-atom including the concept of principal quantum numbers.
An understanding of the quantum theory of light and the ability to apply energy-momentum conservation in the explanation of phenomena such as the photoelectric effect and the Compton effect.
An understanding of de Broglie waves and their interpretation.
An ability to explain the experimental evidence for de Broglie waves, for example through the scattering of electrons and neutrons.
An understanding of the principles of quantum mechanical measurements and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.
A basic understanding of the Schrödinger Equation.
A basic understanding of quantum spin.
An understanding of the basic physics of multi-electron atoms, including the Pauli Exclusion Principle.
Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of high school level calculus.
A basic knowledge of high school level physics.
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Lecture 1: The UV catastrophe
In this lecture, we explore the historical development of blackbody radiation theories, the pivotal concept of the ultraviolet catastrophe, and Max Planck's revolutionary idea of energy quantization, which led to the birth of quantum theory.
In this lecture, we explore the historical development of blackbody radiation theories, the pivotal concept of the ultraviolet catastrophe, and Max Planck's revolutionary idea of energy quantization, which led to the birth of quantum theory.
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Lecture 2: Planck’s radiation law
In this lecture, we explore how Max Planck resolved the ultraviolet catastrophe and developed the Planck Radiation Law, a foundational element of quantum theory.
In this lecture, we explore how Max Planck resolved the ultraviolet catastrophe and developed the Planck Radiation Law, a foundational element of quantum theory.
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Lect 3: Heat Capacity of Solids
In this lecture, we explore the concept of energy quantization and its impact on understanding the heat capacity of solids, focusing on the contributions of Einstein and Debye.
In this lecture, we explore the concept of energy quantization and its impact on understanding the heat capacity of solids, focusing on the contributions of Einstein and Debye.
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Lecture 4: Photoelectric Effect
In this lecture, we explore the photoelectric effect, a phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a metal surface when exposed to light of sufficient frequency.
In this lecture, we explore the photoelectric effect, a phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a metal surface when exposed to light of sufficient frequency.
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Lesson 5: Spectra, Thomson, Rutherford
In this lecture, we explore the nature of line spectra and the development of atomic models by Thomson and Rutherford.
In this lecture, we explore the nature of line spectra and the development of atomic models by Thomson and Rutherford.
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Lesson 6: Bohr’s Model of the Atom
In this lecture, we delve into Bohr’s semi-classical model of the atom and the pivotal Franck-Hertz experiment.
In this lecture, we delve into Bohr’s semi-classical model of the atom and the pivotal Franck-Hertz experiment.
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Lesson 7: Compton Scattering and Duane Hunt Law
In this lecture, we explore the Compton Effect and the Duane-Hunt Law, which provide crucial insights into the particle nature of light and X-ray properties.
In this lecture, we explore the Compton Effect and the Duane-Hunt Law, which provide crucial insights into the particle nature of light and X-ray properties.
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Lesson 8: De Broglie Hypothesis
In this lecture, we explore the De Broglie Hypothesis, which extends the concept of wave-particle duality to all matter, not just light.
In this lecture, we explore the De Broglie Hypothesis, which extends the concept of wave-particle duality to all matter, not just light.
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Lesson 9: Testing and Interpreting the De Broglie Hypothesis
In this lecture, we examine the testing and interpretation of the De Broglie Hypothesis, focusing on key experiments that confirm the wave nature of particles.
In this lecture, we examine the testing and interpretation of the De Broglie Hypothesis, focusing on key experiments that confirm the wave nature of particles.
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Lesson 10: The Schrodinger Equation
In this lecture, we explore the Schrödinger Equation, a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes how the quantum state of a physical system changes over time.
In this lecture, we explore the Schrödinger Equation, a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes how the quantum state of a physical system changes over time.
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Lesson 11: Solving the Schrodinger Equation
In this lecture, we explore the process of solving the Schrödinger Equation, focusing on the time-independent Schrödinger Equation (TISE).
In this lecture, we explore the process of solving the Schrödinger Equation, focusing on the time-independent Schrödinger Equation (TISE).
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Lesson 12: Normalising wavefunctions and calculating probabilities
In this lecture, we focus on normalizing wavefunctions and calculating probabilities in quantum mechanics.
In this lecture, we focus on normalizing wavefunctions and calculating probabilities in quantum mechanics.
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Lesson 13: Wave Packets
In this lecture, we explore the concept of wave packets and their significance in quantum mechanics.
In this lecture, we explore the concept of wave packets and their significance in quantum mechanics.
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Lesson 14: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
In this lecture, we delve into Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, exploring its implications for quantum mechanics and its application in various physical contexts.
In this lecture, we delve into Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, exploring its implications for quantum mechanics and its application in various physical contexts.
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Lesson 15: Coulomb Potential and Angular Momenta
In this lecture, we explore the Coulomb potential and angular momentum, focusing on their roles in the quantum mechanics of the hydrogen atom.
In this lecture, we explore the Coulomb potential and angular momentum, focusing on their roles in the quantum mechanics of the hydrogen atom.
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Lesson 16: 3d Hydrogen Atom
In this lecture, we explore the three-dimensional Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom, delving into the solutions and the resulting quantum numbers.
In this lecture, we explore the three-dimensional Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom, delving into the solutions and the resulting quantum numbers.
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Lesson 17: The Zeeman Effect
In this lecture, we explore the Zeeman Effect and the use of spectroscopic notation to describe the states of electrons in atoms.
In this lecture, we explore the Zeeman Effect and the use of spectroscopic notation to describe the states of electrons in atoms.
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Lesson 18: Selection Rules, Stern-Gerlach, Spin
In this lecture, we cover the concepts of selection rules, the Stern-Gerlach experiment, and the intrinsic property of electron spin.
In this lecture, we cover the concepts of selection rules, the Stern-Gerlach experiment, and the intrinsic property of electron spin.
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Lesson 19: Pauli Exclusion Principle and Periodic Table
In this lecture, we examine the Pauli Exclusion Principle and its impact on the arrangement of electrons in atoms, which leads to the structure of the periodic table.
In this lecture, we examine the Pauli Exclusion Principle and its impact on the arrangement of electrons in atoms, which leads to the structure of the periodic table.
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Lesson 20: Screening, X-rays, Moseley’s Law
In this lecture, we delve into the concepts of electron screening, X-ray transitions, and Moseley's Law.
In this lecture, we delve into the concepts of electron screening, X-ray transitions, and Moseley's Law.
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