COURSE INFORMATION

Code : PHY675
Course : Quantum Mechanics
Level : Degree
Credit Unit : 3
Contact Hour : Lecture (3hrs/week)
Part : 5
Course Status : Core
Prerequisite : PHY 441 or equivalent

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the basis of quantum mechanics and
present ideas and concepts from atomic and subatomic experimental data which confirm the
failure of classical physics at the microscopic scale and the need to establish a new
approach. Mathematical tools of quantum mechanics such as linear spaces, operator
algebra, matrix mechanics, and eigenvalue problems will be used in this course to cover the
problem solving.

Syllabus Content

1.0 Origin of Quantum Mechanics

1.1 Historical note
1.2 Particle aspect of radiation; Blackbody radiation, Photoelectric effect, Compton
effect, Pair production.
1.3 Wave aspect of particles; de Broglie’s, matter waves
1.4 Particles versus waves; Classical view, Quantum view
1.5 Indeterministic Nature of the Microphysical World, Heisenberg Uncertainty
principle, Probabilistic Interpretation
1.6 Atomic transitions and spectroscopy, Rutherford Model, Bohr Model
1.7 Quantization rules
1.8 Wave packets, localized wave packets, motion of wave packets

2.0 Mathematical Tools of Quantum Mechanics

2.1 Hilbert space and wave function
2.2 Dirac notation
2.3 Operators; Hermitian Adjoint, Projection, Commutator Algebra etc
 2.4 Representation in discrete bases, matrix representation of Kets, Bras and
operators, change of bases and unitary transformation
2.5 Representation in continuous bases, general treatment, position representation,
momentum representation
2.6 Matrix and wave mechanics; matrix mechanics, wave mechanics

3.0 Postulates of Quantum Mechanics

3.1 Basic postulates of quantum mechanics
3.2 The state of a system; probability density, superposition principle
3.3 Observables and operators
3.4 Measurement in Quantum Mechanics; expectation values, measurement and
uncertainty relations
3.5 Time evolution of the system’s state; time evolution operator, stationary states,
Schrodinger equation, conservation of probability
3.6 Symmetries and conservation laws
3.7 Connecting Quantum to classical mechanics; Poisson brackets and commutators,
the Ehrenfest theorem, quantum mechanics and classical mechanics

4.0 One-Dimensional Problems

4.1 Properties of one-dimensional motion
4.2 Free particle: continuous states
4.3 The potential step
4.4 The potential barrier and well
4.5 The infinite square well potential
4.6 The finite square well
4.7 The harmonic oscillator
4.8 Numerical solutions of the Schrödinger equation

5.0 Angular Momentum

5.1 Orbital angular momentum
5.2 General formalism of angular momentum
5.3 Matrix representation of angular momentum
5.4 Geometrical representation of angular momentum
5.5 Spin angular momentum
5.6 Eigenfunctions of Orbital Angular Momentum

Teaching Methodology

Lecture-Discussion
Active engagement via lecture-discussion
Assessment:

Course Work 50%

 Tests (30%)
 Quizzes (20%)

Final examination 50%

Recommended Text

Zettili, N. (2009) Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications, 2 nd ed., John Wiley
& Sons.

References

Bernstein, J. (2000), Modern Physics, Prentice Hall.

Eisberg, R. (1974), Quantum Physics, John Wiley & Sons.