PVB302 Classical and Quantum Physics
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| Unit code: | PVB302 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | PVB200 or PVB202 or PVB204 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,244 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PVB302 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | PVB200 or PVB202 or PVB204 |
| Coordinator: | Chao Zhang | ch.zhang@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Build on your prior learning in analytical mathematical approaches to solve problems in classical mechanics. Extend your understanding of classical mechanics through comparison of the Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamilton’s methods and their connection to quantum theory. Historical development of quantum theory will be traced, introducing key concepts such as wave-particle duality, its connection to the theory’s probabilistic nature and the uncertainty principle. This understanding of quantum concepts will be applied in terms of modern wave mechanics via solutions to the Schrodinger equation to explain a range of observed electronic behaviours such as quantum tunneling which is the operating mechanism of many semiconductor devices prevalent in technology today. The quantum approaches developed will also be applied to determine the appropriate description and arrangement of electrons bound to atoms and to explain the features of their emission and absorption spectra.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Knowledge of the core concepts and postulates of quantum theory and its historical development.
- Application of quantum theory to explain behaviour of quantum particles in simple quantum systems.
- Develop physical reasoning and problem-solving skills relating to Quantum Mechanics
- Application of mathematical approaches in quantum mechanics to describe the electronic and properties of simple solids.
- Develop physical reasoning and advanced problem-solving skills relating to classical mechanics.
Content
The classical mechanics part of this unit will continue on from previous studies with more advanced topics, including Hamilton's equations of motion.
The quantum mechanics part of this unit consists of two main sections. The first module is a historical perspective of the development of modern quantum theory and starts by looking at why classical physics is unable to explain blackbody radiation, discrete emission spectra, and the photoelectric effect. From this platform, we then look at how these deficiencies led to counterintuitive concepts of wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle and the subsequent probabilistic nature of quantum physics. Since no quantity can be precisely determined, wavefunctions are introduced to allow physical properties of the system to be evaluated by performing measurement operations to reveal expectation values. An interesting property of measurement operators is that they do not always compute and the far reaching implications this has on a system's behaviour will be investigated. The first section concludes by considering Schroedinger's equation and how it can be used to fully describe the state of a quantum system by revealing the appropriate wavefunction.
Having established the fundamentals of modern quantum theory, we move to the second section which applies this knowledge to important physical systems. We will see that the quantum treatment of the infinite potential well is crucial in understanding the electronic and thermal properties of crystalline solids. Extending this by introducing the Pauli exclusion principle, the free electron behaviour of metals is revealed. We consider variants of the potential well problem and show how they lead to classic quantum effects such as quantum tunnelling which is the operating mechanism of many semiconductor devices. Another important system- the simple harmonic oscillator - is then analysed with our quantum theory and the ground state energy of the oscillator is determined at absolute zero. We then consider an imperfect simple harmonic oscillator and introduce first order stationary perturbation theory to correctly predict its behaviour. The last physical system in this section we analyse with quantum theory is the hydrogen atom and by introducing the concept of spin, we explain many of the features that are observed in the atom's emission and absorption spectrum.
Learning Approaches
The unit consists of an integrated lecture-tutorial program. You will also be strongly encouraged to do additional work in solving sets of problems, working with reference texts and other resource materials that will be provided in lectures and online. A strong emphasis of the tutorials will be on the development of problem-solving skills and the ability to confidently use mathematical methods of quantum mechanics and apply them in actual situations.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive individual written feedback on problem solving tasks according to criteria sheets to improve learning throughout semester. All assessed tutorial tasks will be returned to you as soon as possible to facilitate this and solutions to the tutorial exercises will be provided.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit includes a literature review, problem solving task and a Timed Online assessment to assess theoretical and practical applications of classical and quantum (advanced) physical concepts and related literature/evidence.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Classical Mechanics Assignment
Problem-solving assignment on Classical Mechanics
Assessment: Quantum Mechanics Assignments
Tutorial questions and assignments on Quantum Mechanics
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Final Examination
End of semester examination
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
1. Griffiths D (2005) Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Pearson Prentice Hall
2. Eisberg R & Resnick R (1985) Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei and Particles, John Wiley
3. Landau LD & Lifshitz EM (1965) Quantum Mechanics: Non-Relativistic Theory, Pergamon Press
4. Cohen-Tannoudji C, Diu B & Laloe F (1977) Quantum Mechanics, John Wiley
5. Merzbacher E (2000) Quantum Mechanics, John Wiley
Risk Assessment Statement
Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues in lectures. There are no other out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.