The course is devoted to the analysis and interpretation of the phenomena which gave rise to the so-called crisis of classical physics and the birth of modern physics. An introduction to the main conceptual and theoretical aspects of (classical) Statistical Mechanics and Quantum Physics are also given. This provides a necessary background for a better prosecution of the studies for the Bachelor in Physics.
Course Prerequisites
A good knowledge of the topics discussed in the courses Classical Mechanics, Electrodynamics and Thermodynamics.
Teaching Methods
Lectures aiming at providing all the conceptual and theoretical aspects related to the addressed topics. The key experiments highlighting the crisis of classical physics and the solutions of the time-independent Schrödinger equation are treated in detail.
Assessment Methods
Oral exam. The student will be asked to discuss and explain one of the phenomena of crisis of classical physics, showing ability to synthesize and clarity. He will have to show to be acquainted with the main conceptual aspects of Quantum Mechanics through the solution of simple exercises closely related to the course program.
Face-to-face examination. Exceptions for fragile students.
D. J. Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Prentice Hall.
Contents
Crisis of classical mechanics and electrodynamics in the light of the discovery of new phenomena at the beginning of the XX century (from blackbody radiation to quantum nature of light and wave-particle duality). Main conceptual and theoretical aspects of Statistical Mechanics and Quantum Physics of common use in modern physics. Discussion of quantum effects in simple examples of physics phenomena.
Detailed program.
I. The crisis of classical physics. Black body radiation. Specific heat of solids. The quantum nature of the electromagnetic radiation (photoelectric effect and Compton scattering). Atomic spectra and models: Bohr model and Franck-Hertz experiment. Spatial quantization. Stern-Gerlach experiment and electron spin.
II. Quantum mechanics. de Broglie's hypothesis and wave-particle duality. The wave function and wave packets. Schrödinger equation. Standard interpretation of Quantum Mechanics. The two-slit experiment. Ehrenfest theorem. Momentum representation and Heisenberg uncertainty relations. Stationary states and their properties. The time-independent Schrodinger equation and its solution for some relevant one-dimensional examples.
Course Language
Italian
More information
The course can be also chosen by students in Mathematics, who are interested to strengthen their preparation in modern physics and to know the basics of Quantum Mechanics.
