Sree Ram Valluri - Physics 451

Physics 451a & Applied Mathematics 356a Quantum Mechanics II

(Last updated: August 15, 2007)

  • General Course Information

    • Course title: Physics 451a & Applied Mathematics 356a "Quantum Mechanics II"
    • Lectures: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 1:30 PM to 2:20 PM (subject to change) at P&AB 137
    • Tutorials: (In-class problem solving during some lecture hours).
    • Prerequisites: Physics 351a/b
    • Antirequistes: Applied Mathemaitcs 356b, the former Physics 352a/b

  • Instructor Information

    • Full name & title: Professor Sreeram Valluri, Departments of Applied Mathematics, Physics & Astrononmy, UWO.
    • Office Location: Physics & Astronomy Building, Room 311 (3rd floor)
    • Office telephone number: (519) 661-2111 ext. 86499
    • Office hours: (To be discussed in class)
    • Email address: valluri@uwo.ca
    • Homepage: http://publish.uwo.ca/~valluri
    • Teaching Assitants(s): None at this time. See me for help during office hours.

  • Texts, Readings, Materials

    • Required textbook: "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics", by B.H. Bransden and C.J. Joachain - 2nd Edition (Prentice-Hall)
    • Suggested References:
      1. "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics", by David J. Griffiths - Second Edition (Prentice-Hall)
      2. "Quantum Mechanics Concepts and Applications", by Nouredine Zettili - 2001 (John Wiley) Reprinted 2006
      3. "Introductory Quantum Mechanics", by Richard L. Liboff - Fourth Edition (Addison Wesley)
      4. "Quantum Mechanics", by A. Messiah (Wiley or North Holland)
      5. Schaum's Outline Series on Quantum Mechanics (has many example problems solved in detail)

  • Course Philosophy

    • The recommended text book for the course is appropriate for this second level of course in Quantum Mechanics and further. Students whose mathematical background and training may not be up to par are suggested to work on topics of linear algebra and differential equations that will help in this course. Problems in the text will be discussed on a regular weekly schedule to be arranged. It is also suggested that the following suggested references be consulted for more worked out problems.

  • Course Description & Objectives

    • Calendar description: Potential scattering, spin, addition of angular momenta, stationary and time-dependent perturbation theory, systems of identical particles, applications to atomic, molecular, solid state, nuclear, particle and atmospheric physics. Pre-requisite(s): Physics 351a/b. Anti-requisite(s): Applied Mathematics 356b, the former Physics 352a/b. 3 lecture hours. 0.5 course.
    • Outline of topics to be covered:
      • Constants of the Motion in Quantum Mechanics.
      • Angular Momentum I - Oribtal angular momentum. General properties of angular momentum operators. Raising and lowering operators. The spectrum of J^2 and J_z. The orbital angular momentum. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of L^2 and L_z.
      • The Schrodinger Equation in Three Dimensions - Central potentials. Separation of the Schrodinger equation in Spherical polar coordinates. The hydrogen atom.
      • The Formalism of Quantum Mechanics - Unitary transformations. Matrix representations of wave functions and operators. The Schrodinger and Heisenberg pictures.
      • Angular Momentum II - Matrix representations of angular momentum operators. Spin operators. The Stern-Gerlach experiment, the spin of the electron. Spin one-half. Total angular momentum. The addition of angular momenta.
      • Time-Independent Perturbation Theory - Nondegenerate perturbation theory. Degenerate perturbation theory. The fine structure of hydrogen. The Zeeman effect.
      • Identical Particles - Two-particle systems. Atoms. Solids.
      • The Variational Principle - The ground-state of helium. The hydrogen molecule ion. Finite-basis-set variational methods.
    • Description of examinations
      • Class participation, regular attendance and doing assigned problems, 10 %
      • 2 Tests (25% each -- one before Oct. 23) A project can be done instead of the test, or both can be done. Better mark counted.
      • Final Exam (Decemeber Exam Period) 40%

  • Course Calendar / Schedule

    • To be updated when information is known (discussed).

  • Course Policies

    • Religious holidays: A student who, due to unavoidable conflicts with religious holidays which (a) require an absence from the University or (b) prohibit or require certain activities (i.e., activities that would make it impossible for the student to satisfy the academic requirements scheduled on the day(s) involved), is unable to write examinations and term tests on a Sabbath or Holy Day in a particular term shall give notice of this fact in writing to his or her Dean as early as possible but not later than November 15th for mid-year examinations and March 1st for final examinations, i.e., approximately two weeks after the posting of the mid-year and final examination schedule respectively. In the case of mid-term tests, such notification is to be given in writing to the instructor within 48 hours of the announcement of the date of the mid-term test. The instructor(s) in the case of mid-term tests and the dean in the case of mid-year and spring final examinations will arrange for special examination(s) to be written at another time. In the case of mid-year and spring final examinations, the accommodation must occur no later than one month after the end of the examination period involved. It is mandatory that students seeking accommodations under this policy give notification before the deadlines, and that the Faculty accommodate these requests. The list of approved dates is given in http://www.uwo.ca/equity/docs/mfcalendar.htm.
    • Academic misconduct:
      • Cheating: University policy states that cheating is a scholastic offence which can result in an academic penalty (which may include expulsion from the program). If you are caught cheating, there will be no second warning. Cheating includes having available any electronic devices other than a watch and the approved model Sharp calculator. You may not have a cell phone accessible during tests or exams, even to use it as a calculator or watch. Possession or use of more than one clicker during a lecture will be considered cheating. Complete information on the University policies on academic offenses can be found in the Undergraduate section of this document.
      • Plagiarism: Students must write their essays and assignments in their own words. Whenever students take an idea or a passage from another author, they must acknowledge their debt both by using quotation marks where appropriate and by proper referencing (such as footnotes or citations). Plagiarism is a major academic offence. For more details, see this document.

  • Other mentionables

    • Best wishes to everyone!!

Also from this web page:

Contact

.: Sree Ram Valluri,
Assistant Professor :.


(519) 661-2111 ext. 86499 or valluri@uwo.ca

FAX: (519) 661-3523 (AM)
FAX: (519) 661-2033 (P&A)

Physics and Astronomy Bldg., Room 311


Professional Physicist, Canadian Association of Physicists