Physlet quantum physics : an interactive introduction to quantum theory

Mario Belloni, Wolfgang Christian, Anne J. Cox

Published Jan 1, 2006• 4 citations

Abstract

Preface (with Browser Tests and System Requirements) Chapter 1: Introduction to Physlets Part 1: Special Relativity Chapter 2: Space and Time in Special Relativity Chapter 3: Relativistic Mechanics Part 2: The Need for a Quantum Theory Chapter 4: From Blackbody to Bohr Chapter 5: Wave-Particle Duality Part 3: Quantum Theory Chapter 6: Classical and Quantum-mechanical Probability Chapter 7: The Schrodinger Equation Chapter 8: The Free Particle Chapter 9: Scattering in One Dimension Chapter 10: The Infinite Square Well Chapter 11: Finite Square Wells and Other Piecewise-constant Wells Chapter 12: Harmonic Oscillators and Other Spatially-varying Wells Chapter 13: Multi-dimensional Wells Part 4: Applications Chapter 14: Atomic, Molecular, and Nuclear Physics Chapter 15: Statistical Mechanics

Related papers

Introductory Quantum Mechanics

Rodney C. Greenhow

Part 1: the need for the quantum mechanics quantization of radiation the special theory of relativity wave-particle duality the nature of matter waves the uncertainty principle the Bohr atom. Part 2 Schrodinger's equation: the postulates of quantum mechanics the wave equation the wave equation in three dimensions the time-independent Schrodinger equation stationary states normalisation probability flux physical constraints on the wave-function wave packets Gaussian wave-packets and the uncertainty principle. Part 3 One-dimensional potential wells: potential wells the one-dimensional infinite square well discussion of infinite square-well results eigenvalue equations the finite square well finite square well eigenfunctions the control of the wave-function by the wave equation numerical integration of Schrodinger's equation continuum solutions of the square-well potential interpretation of unbound-particle wave functions the double potential well the quantum bouncer electric fields and the tilted well the harmonic oscillator - introduction the quantum oscillator discussion of harmonic oscillator eigenvalues and eigenfunctions the classical probability density more potential wells. Part 4 Schrodinger's equation in three dimensions: particle in a three dimensional box degeneracy Schrodingers equation in spherical polar coordinates - the hydrogen atom normalisation. Part 5 Formal development of quantum mechanics: eigenvalues equations, operators and measurements the momentum operator, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions the position operator and its eigenfunctions Hermitian operators orthogonality of eigenfunctions the expansion postulate example - the b-decay of tritium expectation values compatibility of observables - commutators non-commuting operators time-dependence of expectation values - Ehrenfest's theorem abstract operators - the parity operator, matrix mechanics. Part 6 Angular momentum: angular momentum operators angular momentum commutators angular momentum eigenvalues and eigenfunctions interpretation of angular momentum eigenvalues interpretation of angular momentum eigenfunctions the Stern-Gerlach apparatus and electron spin spin operators - the Pauli Spin matrices the Zeeman effect measurements in quantum mechanics. Part 7 Spherically symmetric potential wells: the rigid rotator the radial equation the hydrogen atom and hydrogen like ions the isotropic harmonic oscillator molecular vibrations - the Morse potential the spherical square well general properties of spherically symmetric potential wells. (Part contents)

Jan 1, 199015 citations

Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications

Nouredine Zettili

Preface. 1. Origins of Quantum Physics. 1.1 Historical Note. 1.2 Particle Aspect of Radiation. 1.3 Wave Aspect of Particles. 1.4 Particles versus Waves. 1.5 Indeterministic Nature of the Microphysical World. 1.6 Atomic Transitions and Spectroscopy. 1.7 Quantization Rules. 1.8 Wave Packets. 1.9 Concluding Remarks. 1.10 Solved Problems. Exercises. 2. Mathematical Tools of Quantum Mechanics. 2.1 Introduction. 2.2 The Hilbert Space and Wave Functions. 2.3 Dirac Notation. 2.4 Operators. 2.5 Representation in Discrete Bases. 2.6 Representation in Continuous Bases. 2.7 Matrix and Wave Mechanics. 2.8 Concluding Remarks. 2.9 Solved Problems. Exercises. 3. Postulates of Quantum Mechanics. 3.1 Introduction. 3.2 The Basic Postulates of Quantum Mechanics. 3.3 The State of a System. 3.4 Observables and Operators. 3.5 Measurement in Quantum Mechanics. 3.6 Time Evolution of the System's State. 3.7 Symmetries and Conservation Laws. 3.8 Connecting Quantum to Classical Mechanics. 3.9 Solved Problems. Exercises. 4. One-Dimensional Problems. 4.1 Introduction. 4.2 Properties of One-Dimensional Motion. 4.3 The Free Particle: Continuous States. 4.4 The Potential Step. 4.5 The Potential Barrier and Well. 4.6 The Infinite Square Well Potential. 4.7 The Finite Square Well Potential. 4.8 The Harmonic Oscillator. 4.9 Numerical Solution of the Schrodinger Equation. 4.10 Solved Problems. Exercises. 5. Angular Momentum. 5.1 Introduction. 5.2 Orbital Angular Momentum. 5.3 General Formalism of Angular Momentum. 5.4 Matrix Representation of Angular Momentum. 5.5 Geometrical Representation of Angular Momentum. 5.6 Spin Angular Momentum. 5.7 Eigen functions of Orbital Angular Momentum. 5.8 Solved Problems. Exercises. 6. Three-Dimensional Problems. 6.1 Introduction. 6.2 3D Problems in Cartesian Coordinates. 6.3 3D Problems in Spherical Coordinates. 6.4 Concluding Remarks. 6.5 Solved Problems. Exercises. 7. Rotations and Addition of Angular Momenta. 7.1 Rotations in Classical Physics. 7.2 Rotations in Quantum Mechanics. 7.3 Addition of Angular Momenta. 7.4 Scalar, Vector and Tensor Operators. 7.5 Solved Problems. Exercises. 8. Identical Particles. 8.1 Many-Particle Systems. 8.2 Systems of Identical Particles. 8.3 The Pauli Exclusion Principle. 8.4 The Exclusion Principle and the Periodic Table. 8.5 Solved Problems. Exercises. 9. Approximation Methods for Stationary States. 9.1 Introduction. 9.2 Time-Independent Perturbation Theory. 9.3 The Variational Method. 9.4 The Wentzel Kramers Brillou in Method. 9.5 Concluding Remarks. 9.6 Solved Problems. Exercises. 10. Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory. 10.1 Introduction. 10.2 The Pictures of Quantum Mechanics. 10.3 Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory. 10.4 Adiabatic and Sudden Approximations. 10.5 Interaction of Atoms with Radiation. 10.6 Solved Problems. Exercises. 11. Scattering Theory. 11.1 Scattering and Cross Section. 11.2 Scattering Amplitude of Spinless Particles. 11.3 The Born Approximation. 11.4 Partial Wave Analysis. 11.5 Scattering of Identical Particles. 11.6 Solved Problems. Exercises. A. The Delta Function. A.1 One-Dimensional Delta Function. A.2 Three-Dimensional Delta Function. B. Angular Momentum in Spherical Coordinates. B.1 Derivation of Some General. B.2 Gradient and Laplacianin Spherical Coordinates. B.3 Angular Momentum in Spherical Coordinates. C. Computer Code for Solving the Schrodinger Equation. Index.

Oct 1, 200143 citations

Quantum Mechanics: An Accessible Introduction

Robert J. Scherrer

Table of Contents 1. The Origins of Quantum Mechanics 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Blackbody Radiation The Problem with Blackbody Radiation 1.3 The Nature of Light The Photoelectric Effect The Compton Effect Is it a Particle or a Wave? 1.4 TheWave Nature of Matter 1.5 The Bohr Atom 1.6 Where do we Stand? 2. Math Interlude A: Complex Numbers and Linear Operators 2.1 Complex Numbers 2.2 Operators Definition of an Operator Eigenfunctions and Eigenvalues 3. The Schrodinger Equation 3.1 Derivation of the Schrodinger Equation 3.2 The Meaning of theWave Function 3.3 The Time-Independent Schrodinger Equation Derivation of the Time-Independent Schrodinger Equation Qualitative Solutions and the Origin of Quantization 4. One-Dimensional Time-Independent Schrodinger Equation 4.1 Unbound States: Scattering and Tunneling Scattering From Step-Function Potentials 4.2 Bound Systems The Infinite SquareWell The Harmonic Oscillator Potential 5. Math Interlude B: Linear Algebra 5.1 Properties of Linear Operators 5.2 Vector Spaces Inner Products Adjoint and Hermitian Operators Basis Sets 6. The Three-Dimensional Time-Independent Schrodinger Equation 6.1 Solution in Rectangular Coordinates 6.2 Angular Momentum 6.3 The Schrodinger Equation in Spherical Coordinates 6.4 The Hydrogen Atom 7. Math Interlude C: Matrices, Dirac Notation, and the Dirac Delta Function 7.1 The Matrix Formulation of Linear Operators 7.2 Dirac Notation 7.3 The Dirac Delta Function 8. Spin Angular Momentum 8.1 Spin Operators 8.2 Evidence for Spin 8.3 Adding Angular Momentum 8.4 The Matrix Representation of Spin 8.5 The Stern-Gerlach Experiment 8.6 Spin Precession 8.7 Spin Systems with Two Particles Noninteracting Spins Interacting Spins 8.8 Measurement Theory Hidden Variables The ManyWorlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics 9. Time-Independent Perturbation Theory 9.1 Derivation of Time-Independent Perturbation Theory 9.2 Perturbations to the Atomic Energy Levels Fine Structure The Lamb Shift 9.3 The Atom in External Electric or Magnetic Fields The Atom in an Electric Field: The Stark Effect The Atom in a Magnetic Field: The Zeeman Effect 10. The Variational Principle 10.1 Variational Principle: Theory 10.2 Variational Principle: Application to the Helium Atom 11. Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory 11.1 Derivation of Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory 11.2 Application: Selection Rules for Electromagnetic Radiation 12. Scattering Theory 12.1 Definition of the Cross Section 12.2 The Born Approximation 12.3 PartialWaves 13. The Multiparticle Schrodinger Equation 13.1 Wave Function for Identical Particles 13.2 Multielectron Atoms 14. Some Modern Applications of Quantum Mechanics 14.1 Magnetic Resonance Imaging 14.2 Quantum Computing 15. What Comes Next? Relativistic Quantum Mechanics 15.1 The Klein-Gordon Equation Derivation of the Klein-Gordon Equation Probability Densities and Currents 15.2 The Dirac Equation Answers and Hints for Selected End-of-Chapter Exercises Index

Jan 1, 200618 citations

Quantum Mechanics

Guoping Zhang, Mingsu Si, Thomas F. George

This textbook provides ample opportunities for practice and real experimental demonstrations. Conceptual understanding and mastering key techniques are enhanced by rigorous derivations, numerous worked examples, more than 300 exercises, about 150 problems and 16 computer codes. The preface summarizes all of the key concepts and formulas, along with a detailed schedule for teaching. The first three chapters introduce the quantum idea, wave-particle duality, operators and measurement. The Noether theorem is invoked to introduce the Schrödinger equation, followed by applications to infinite and finite quantum wells, quantum tunneling, harmonic oscillators, Heisenberg equation of motion, uncertainty principle, blackbody radiation and photoelectric effect. Chapters 4 and 5 are on angular momentum, the hydrogen atom and time-independent approximate methods. Chapters 6 and 7 are on spin and time-dependent perturbation theory. Chapters 8, 9 and 10 are on molecular orbitals, energy bands, quantum transport, scanning tunneling microscopy, lattice vibrations, Berry phase and quantum computing. The book is intended for a one-semester or one-year course and is also appropriate for researchers in related fields.

De Gruyter eBooksMar 13, 20240 citations

Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers

John R. Taylor, Chris D. Zafiratos

I. RELATIVITY. 1. The Space and Time of Relativity. 2. Relativistic Mechanics. II. QUANTUM MECHANICS. 3. Atoms. 4. Quantization of Light. 5. Quantization of Atomic Energy Levels. 6. Matter Waves. 7. The Schrodinger Equation in One Dimension. 8. The Three-Dimensional Schrodinger Equation. 9. Electron Spin. 10. Multielectron Atoms the Pauli Principle and the Periodic Table. 11. Atomic Transitions and Radiation. III. SYSTEMS WITH TWO OR MORE ATOMS. 12. Molecules. 13. Solids - Theory. 14. Solids - Applications. 15. Statistical Mechanics. IV. SUBATOMIC PHYSICS. 16. The Structure of Atomic Nuclei. 17. Radioactivity and Nuclear Reactions. 18. Elementary Particles. APPENDIXES. A. Physical Constants. B. Useful Mathematical Relations. C. Alphabetical List of the Elements. D. Atomic and Nuclear Data. Suggestions for Further Reading. Picture Credits and References. Answers to Odd-Numbered Problems. Index.

Feb 19, 199149 citations

Topics in Quantum Mechanics

Floyd L. Williams

Preface * Part I. Introductory Concepts in Quantum Theory * Units of Measurement * Quantum Mechanics---Some Remarks and Themes * Equations of Motion in Classical Mechanics * Quantization and the Schrodinger Equation * Hypergeometric Equations and Special Functions * Hydrogen-like Atoms * Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle * Group Representations and Selection Rules * A Charged Particle in an Electro-magnetic Field * Spin Wave Functions * Introduction to Multi-electron Atoms * Part II. Some Selected Topics * Fresnel Integrals and Feynman Integrals * Path Integral for the Harmonic Oscillator * Euclidean Path Integrals * The Density Matrix and Partition Function * Zeta Regularization * Helmholtz Free Energy and the Selberg Trace Formula * The Zeta Function of a Product * Two Guest Lectures * Some Further Electron Configurations * Mendeleev Periodic Table * Another Example of Zeta Regularization * Integral Evaluation * Some Informal Comments on QFT * References * Index

Progress in mathematical physicsJan 1, 200310 citations