Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

Recitations: 2 sessions / week, 1 hour / session

Course Description

Quantum Physics I explores the experimental basis of quantum mechanics, including:

• Photoelectric effect
• Compton scattering
• Photons
• Franck-Hertz experiment
• The Bohr atom, electron diffraction
• deBroglie waves
• Wave-particle duality of matter and light

This class also provides an introduction to wave mechanics, via:

• Schrödinger's equation
• Wave functions
• Wave packets
• Probability amplitudes
• Stationary states
• The Heisenberg uncertainty principle
• Zero-point energies
• Solutions to Schrödinger's equation in one dimension
  • Transmission and reflection at a barrier
  • Barrier penetration
  • Potential wells
  • The simple harmonic oscillator
• Schrödinger's equation in three dimensions
  • Central potentials
  • Introduction to hydrogenic systems

Prerequisites

In order to register for 8.04, students must have previously completed Vibrations and Waves (8.03) or Electrodynamics (6.014), and Differential Equations (18.03 or 18.034) with a grade of C or higher.

Textbooks

Required

Gasiorowicz, Stephen. Quantum Physics. 3rd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2003. ISBN: 9780471057000.

Strongly Recommended

French, A. P., and Edwin F. Taylor. Introduction to Quantum Physics. New York, NY: Norton, 1978. ISBN: 9780393090154.

Read Again and Again

Feynman, Richard P., Robert B. Leighton, and Matthew L. Sands. The Feynman Lectures on Physics: Commemorative Issue. Vol. 3. Redwood City, CA: Addison-Wesley, 1989. ISBN: 9780201510058.

References

Liboff, Richard L. Introductory Quantum Mechanics. 4th ed. San Francisco, CA: Addison Wesley, 2003. ISBN: 9780805387148.

Eisberg, Robert Martin, and Robert Resnick. Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles. New York, NY: Wiley, 1974. ISBN: 9780471873730.

Problem Sets

The weekly problem sets are an essential part of the course. Working through these problems is crucial to understanding the material deeply. After attempting each problem by yourself, we encourage you to discuss the problems with the teaching staff and with each other--this is an excellent way to learn physics! However, you must write-up your solutions by yourself. Your solutions should not be transcriptions or reproductions of someone else's work.

Exams

There will be two in-class exams. There will also be a comprehensive final exam, scheduled by the registrar and held during the final exam period.

Grading Policy

Calendar