PHYS424
Quantum Mechanics I
Course description
First in a sequence with PHYS425, this course provides introduction to basic principles and applications of quantum mechanics with an emphasis on formalism of quantum mechanics. Schroedinger equation is solved for simple cases such as free-particle motion, simple harmonic oscillator and hydrogen atom, with a basic treatment of angular momentum. The course textbook: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, David J. Griffiths, Second Edition, Chapters covered: 1-4.
Lecture 1
The Schrödinger equation. Wave function. Measurement. Probability.
Lecture 2
Normalization of the wave function. Expectation values. Exercise 1
Lecture 3
Momentum. Uncertainty Principle. Exercise 2. Stationary states. Time-independent Schrödinger equation
Lecture 4
The infinite square well
Lecture 5
The infinite square well. Superposition of states
Lecture 6
The harmonic oscillator (algebraic method), Exercise 3
Lecture 7
The harmonic oscillator (analytic method), Exercise 4
Lecture 8
The harmonic oscillator (review)
.
Lecture 9
The free particle
Lecture 10
The free particle. The delta-function potential
Lecture 11
Examples of problem solving
Lecture 12
The delta-function potential. Exercise 5
Lecture 13
The finite square well. Exercise 6
Lecture 14
The formalism of quantum mechanics. Exercise 7
Lecture 15
The formalism of quantum mechanics contd.
Lecture 16
Problem solving
Lecture 17
Quantum mechanics in three dimensions
Lecture 18
The hydrogen atom
Lecture 19
The hydrogen atom contd.
Lectures 20 - 21
Transitions between hydrogen stationary states.
The angular momentum
Lecture 22
Orbital angular momentum. Spin. Exercise 8
Lecture 23
Spin. Problem solving. Exercises 9 and 10.
Lecture 24
Stern-Gerlach experiment. Addition of the angular momenta
Lecture 25
Addition of the angular momenta.
Clebsch-Gordon coefficients. Exercises 11 and 12.
Lecture 26
Course review