INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS

Catalog description

This course serves as an introduction to quantum mechanics. Students are introduced to the mathematics necessary to understand and solve problems in quantum mechanics. The time-independent Schrödinger equation is discussed and solved to determine the quantum wavefunction for a number of different one-dimensional potentials. Quantum observables are introduced and calculated by applying linear operators to particle wavefunctions. Realistic quantum systems such as the hydrogen atom are explored to demonstrate how quantum mechanics shapes the nature of atomic matter. Particle spin is used as an example of a two-state quantum system, leading to an investigation of quantum entanglement. Prerequisites: PHYS1750 and MATH1850 or MATH1875 or MATH1877 (4 credit) summer