Syllabus - UofL Department of Physics & Astronomy



Syllabus

Physics 555: Elementary Quantum Mechanics (Credit units: 3)

(Fall 2009)

Lecture Room: 104 Natural Sciences BLDG

Lecture Time: 11:00 am-11:50 pm (Monday, Wednesday, & Friday)

Textbook: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David J. Griffiths, second edition (Pearson Prentice Hall)

Reference book: (1) Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications by N. Zettili (John Wiley & Sons); (2) Introductory Quantum Mechanics by Richard L. Liboff (Holden-Day, Inc); (3) Principles of Quantum Mechanics by Ramanurti Shankar (Plenum Press); (4) Quantum Mechanics: A New Introduction by Kenichi Konishi & Giampiero Paffuti (Oxford University Press)

Instructor: Dr. Ming Yu

Office: Room 242, Belknap Research Building

Office Hour: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (MW)

Phone Number: 502-852-0931

E-mail: m0yu0001@gwise.louisville.edu

Description: This course is the first part of the two-semester course of quantum mechanics (phys 555 and phys 556). This course (555) will cover the general concepts of quantum mechanics, Schrödinger equation and solutions in one- and three-dimensions, and an introduction to angular momentum. The second semester (phys 556) will continue to discuss the theory of general angular momentum and cover the topics of identical particle, approximation methods, and scattering theory. A mathematical background of linear algebra, differential equations, and partial differential equations is strongly required in the course. You are encouraged to read the chapters or sections related to the topics from the textbook and reference books and to discuss with your fellow students or the instructor to make clear in concepts and in solving assigned problems.

Course Requirements: PHYS 300, 450, and 460.

Topics covered

1. Origin of Quantum Mechanics (reference books)

1. Introduction

2. The Work of Planck-Blackbody Radiation

3. The Work of Einstein-Photoelectric Effect

4. The work of Bohr-A Quantum Theory of Atomic States

5. The Work of de Broglie -Waves Versus Particles

2. The Wave Function (Chapter 1 of the textbook)

1. The Schrödinger Equation

2. The Statistical Interpretation

3. Probability

4. Normalization

5. Momentum

6. The Uncertainty Principle

3. Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation (Chapter 2 of the textbook)

1. Stationary State

2. The Infinite Square Well

3. The Harmonic Oscillator

4. The Free Particle

5. The Delta-Function Potential

6. The Finite Square Well

4. Formalism (Appendix and Chapter 3 of the textbook)

1. Linear Algebra

2. Hilbert Space

3. Observables

4. Eigenfunctions of a Hermitian Operator

5. Generalized Statistical Interpretation

6. The Uncertainty Principle

7. Dirac Notation

5. Quantum Mechanics in Three Dimensions (Chapter 4 of the text book)

1. Schrödinger Equation in Spherical Coordinates

2. The Hydrogen Atom

3. Angular Momentum

4. Spin

Homework

Homework assignments will be distributed at beginning of each week. The Homework includes both general problems and challenge problems. You are asked to accomplish the general problems and encouraged to take the challenge problems. The corresponding due dates for Homework will be written on the Homework assignments. Homework assignments will be collected and graded, and form part of your final score. You may discuss homework problems with your fellow students. In fact, you are encouraged to work as a group. However, the final write-up must be your own.

Quiz

There may be two conceptual quizzes. Some extra points will be given.

Exams

There will be a midterm exam and a final exam. The midterm exam is scheduled on October 9/14. Each exam will have an “in-class” and a “take-home” section. They are weighted as one-third and two-third, respectively.

Grading Policy

The final scores will be based on the two exams and the homework with breakdown as follows:

Homework 30%

Midterm Exam 35%

Final Exam 35%

The letter grades will be assigned based on the final scores. The approximate cutoffs are:

Grade A+ A A_ B+ B B_ C+ C C_ D+ D D-

Cutoff 90 85 78 70 65 60 50 45 41 38 35 32

Please note that the scheduled exam date and above cutoffs are tentative. The instructor reserves the

right to lower the cutoffs if deemed necessary. The cutoffs, however, will not be raised in any cases.

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