Prospectus

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Quantum Mechanics 1

Course
2017-2018

Admission requirements

Analysis 1, 2, Linear Algebra 1, Classical Mechanics a. To be able to do the course, Linear Algebra 2 needs to be followed in parallel, unless the contents of this course is already known.

Description

The course concerns an introduction into quantum mechanics. It starts with the Schrödinger equation, and describes the wave function with its statistical interpretation. Subsequently, a few examples of quantisation are illustrated as solutions of the one-dimensional time-independent Schrödinger equation. A more formal treatment follows with the introduction of Hilbert space and the formulation of quantum mechanics in terms of linear algebra. Spherically symmetric three-dimensional systems are being considered, in particular the hydrogen atom. The course ends with the description of angular momentum starting from the commutation relations, with applications to both orbital and spin angular momentum

Course objectives

The students knows the Schrödinger equation, Heisenberg’s uncertainty relation, the particle in an infinite square well, the harmonic oscillator and the free particle, the hydrogen atom and angular momentum.
The student understands the wave function and its statistical interpretation, stationary states, the wave packet, Hilbert space and tunneling.
The student is able to work with probabilities, operators, ladder operators, the Dirac notation, and to solve eigenvalue equations.

Timetable

Schedule

Mode of instruction

Lectures and working classes

Assessment method

Written examination with exercises.
Half-way the course the students can take a pre-examination to judge the level they have reached.
The final grade is calculated as follows. With the result T of the examination at the end and t of the examination half-way, the final grade becomes T + (10 – T) t/30.
There is the opportunity to re-take the exam.

Blackboard

Bij de cursus wordt gebruik gemaakt van Blackboard.
Voorafgaand aan ieder hoorcollege wordt aangegeven welke stof wordt behandeld. Voorafgaand aan ieder werkcollege verschijnen de opgaven op Blackboard. De uitwerking van de werkcollege-opgaven komt voorafgaand aan de toets respectievelijk het tentamen op Blackboard. Oude toetsen en tentamens met uitwerkingen zijn beschikbaar op Blackboard.
Voor toegang tot Blackboard is een ULCN-account nodig).Blackboard UL

Reading list

D. J. Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, second edition, Chapters 1 to 4.

Contact

Contactgegevens Docent:Prof.dr.E.Groenen (Edgar)