Physics 316 – Introductory Quantum Mechanics
Fall 2015
Instructor
Dr. Joseph W. Howard - “Joe”
Office/Phone: Henson Science Hall 305C, 410-548-5393
eMail: jwhoward@salisbury.edu
Office Hours: MW 1:00 – 2:30pm ; T 10:00 – 11:00am ; F 1:00 – 2:00pm
Class Hours: T/R 12:00 – 1:40pm, Henson Science Hall, Room 360
Textbook
Required Text
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 2nd Edition, Griffiths, David J., (Prentice Hall - 2005:
ISBN 0-13-111892-7).
Course Description, Objectives, & Policies
Description
This course is intended as an introduction to the principles and study of quantum mechanics.
The exploration will include an investigation of wave mechanics, Schrödinger’s equation, Fourier
techniques, operator formalism, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, one-dimensional potentials,
correspondence and uncertainty principles, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom.
Emphasis will be placed on the development of problem solving skills through the application of
the principles of quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites: PHYS 309 (Math Physics), PHYS 313 (Modern Physics), & PHYS 314
(Mechanics).
Course Goals
1. CONTINUE TO DEVELOP A GOOD FUNCTIONAL UNDERSTANDING OF PHYSICS
The goal of physics is to understand the physical universe. An understanding of the subjects
covered in the class will help prepare those of you who plan on a career that requires a thorough
knowledge and understanding physics. Beyond that, an understanding of the physical principles
may help you perceive the world around you in a more comprehensible, enjoyable, and
fascinating way.
2. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO THINK CRITICALLY, LOGICALLY, & ANALYTICALLY WHEN
SOLVING PROBLEMS
In order to solve a problem, you must critically examine the information available in a given
situation; determine an effective method to approach the problem, and carry through to the
solution, including a critical examination of the final answer to see if it is reasonable. To
understand a physical situation and to solve physics problems requires the ability to use
mathematical expressions that are solvable and that represent the situation. Students should be
able to see the linkage between the math used to that of the physical principles involved. These
skills are not only essential to solving problems in physics, but to solving problems in general,
and are applicable to many situations in many different environments.
3. UNDERSTAND FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF QUANTUM MECHANICS
Quantum mechanics has had enormous success in explaining many perplexing features of
the physical world on the smallest scales. Quantum theory generalizes all classical theories,
including mechanics, electromagnetism, and provides accurate descriptions for many
phenomena such as blackbody radiation and stable electron orbits within atoms. There are many
topics to cover when exploring the fascinating realm of quantum mechanics but in doing so a
new interpretation and process for describing the natural world is developed.
4. DEVELOP A CONCEPTUAL & COMPUTATIONAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE SCHRÖDINGER
EQUATION
Schrödinger’s equation is the name of the basic non-relativistic wave equation used in
quantum mechanics to describe the space & time dependence and behavior of a particle in a
field of force. There is the time dependant equation used for describing progressive waves,
applicable to the motion of free particles. And the time independent form of this equation used for
describing standing waves. The Schrödinger equation plays the role of Newton’s Laws of motion
and energy conservation rules in classical mechanics (the motion of macroscopic objects) in that
it is used to predict the future behavior of a dynamic system. It is a wave equation in terms of the
wavefunction which predicts analytically the probability of events or outcomes. Schrödinger's
equation describes the wave like properties of matter and was one of greatest achievements of
20th century science so it will be necessary to understand the equation and how to apply it to
certain situations.
5. BECOME SKILLED IN APPLICATIONS OF QUANTUM MECHANICAL TECHNIQUES
You will explore how quantum mechanics is used in describing situations like the infinite and
finite energy potentials, the harmonic oscillator, free particles, three dimensional systems, the
formal mathematical quantum theory of the hydrogen atom, angular momentum, and spin. You
will, along the way, develop a quantum theory formalism that describes the state of a system
using its wave function, and the system’s observables, by employing operators to extract
information given certain boundary conditions. What are function spaces, eigenvalues, and the
uncertainty principle?
Policies
Attendance: Attendance is required. You must notify the instructor in advance if you are
unable to attend a class period.
Cell Phones: Please turn off your cell phones (or select a silent ring) during the class
lecture. You may not talk or text on the phones in the classroom during lecture.
Writing Requirement: Homework assignments and exam problems will require a written
response. These responses must be grammatically correct with proper spelling and
punctuation.
Students with Disabilities: Any student in this course who has a disability that may
prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me
personally as soon as possible so that we can discuss accommodations necessary to
ensure full participation in this class and facilitate educational opportunities.
Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is at the heart of education because there is no
doubt that honor and the quest for knowledge are inexorably intertwined. Salisbury
University is an academic community dedicated to the achievement of intellectual
growth where the pursuit of freely exchanged ideas and active study is an essential
element of academic excellence and development. Students and faculty are expected
to meet the highest possible standards of personal, ethical, and moral academic
conduct. These standards require personal integrity, a commitment to honesty without
compromise, as well as truth without equivocation. Academic trust means respecting
these truths and principles, without which no university can exist. Academic
Dishonesty: This instructor adheres to the policy of academic dishonesty as it appears
in the college catalog and outlined in the student handbook.
Course Philosophy
This is a physics class and, therefore, it has similarities to all other physics classes. Quantum
mechanics is the best-confirmed theory of particle dynamics in existence today. Not only is it the
basis for all digital technologies, it also serves as the theoretical foundation for our bestconfirmed theories of matter (quantum field theories). However, philosophically, there is no
current consensus on just how to interpret it: The theories used to explain quantum mechanics
are conceptually complex, highly mathematical at times, and somewhat philosophical in nature
and will require a great deal of effort to build a beginning understanding of the subject. Many in
the field often say, “no one really understands quantum theory, they just know how to use it.” The
meaning of quantum theory is a bit of a taboo subject, but it is hotly debated, and everyone
thinks about it, and those that truly try to understand it are also shocked by quantum theory’s
implications.
Some students believe that if they can follow the lectures in class, then they have learned all
they need to know about quantum mechanics. This is not true. A student must do a significant
amount of work outside of class thinking about, and interacting with, the course material. No one
ever learns physics by simply reading about it or listening to someone talk about it. You learn it
by making the effort to understand the material, building mental pictures, and by solving
problems using the principles learned. The standard requirement in a college class is that you
spend two hours outside class working on the material for every hour in class. Since this is a
three-hour class, you should plan on spending at least six hours per week outside of class
interacting with the material and solving problems. Few students will be able to succeed in this
class without investing more than that amount of time.
As stated earlier, you can only learn by personally interacting with the material and solving
problems. Consequently, I emphasize three methods of learning in this class:
1. Reading and thinking about the assigned material before it is discussed in class.
2. Solving problems using the physics concepts and principles.
3. Discussing the material and solving problems in class, including working with your
classmates.
Thinking about problems and solving them on a regular basis will allow you to learn and
appreciate the subject matter in a natural way, without having to cram everything at the last
moment.
I want you to enjoy Physics 316. The material we will be covering is fascinating and
applicable. In order to make this class as interesting and useful as possible, I will need to get
feedback from you. Please feel free to ask questions in class and to come by my office during
office hours.
Course Structure & Assignments
The course will be divided into four modules and may consist of the following graded
assignments:
1. Class Activities
2. Homework Problems
3. Midterm Exam or Final
During each module, I will distribute detailed descriptions of the material and homework
problems assigned. A calendar listing the tentative dates for course subject material is attached
as the last page of this syllabus. The calendar may be revised at the discretion of the
professor.
Homework
Homework will consist of problems assigned mostly from the text. Homework will be due by
5:00 p.m. on the date specified. It may be turned in during lecture or deposited in the box
outside my office. Here are some suggestions for the homework assignments:
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Read the problems as soon as you get them. You don’t have to spend any time working
on them; just think about them as you read and study the material.
Don’t procrastinate!! You will have at least a week to work on the problems. Don’t wait
until the last minute to do them. In particular, you will have an opportunity to ask questions
in class to help you further understand the problems.
Ask Questions!! If you are having problems with the homework, seek help!! You may
discuss the problems with your classmates as well as with me during office hours.
Although you may discuss the homework with your classmates, all work handed in must be
your own. Copying another person’s work is plagiarism, and will be considered cheating. I
encourage you to talk with others in order for you to get a general understanding of the work.
However, each person must work out detailed solutions of the problems individually. Doing the
homework is the best way to prepare for the exams since test questions will be similar to
problems assigned for homework.
Class Activities
You will be expected to ask and answer questions and to participate actively in the class and
during in-class activities. You are also expected to actively collaborate in group problem-solving
sessions in the class and/or to present homework solution ideas to the entire class.
Active Participation: Because learning requires active participation, and not just passive listening,
we will be doing various activities in the classroom that involve student participation. These
activities will help the student learn and give the instructor valuable feedback on how well the
students have mastered the course material.
Group Work: Occasionally, classroom groups may be created during the semester. The groups will
allow you to work together with your peers to understand the material. Group activities will
include discussion of homework, as well as working on other problems designed to help you
understand the material. All activities in the groups will be cooperative, not competitive. A good
group member is not necessarily one who knows the answers. A good group member is one
who comes prepared and regularly participates in the work, enters into the spirit of trying to help
his or her fellow group members answer questions, work problems, and better understand the
material.
Exams & Final
There will be three mid-semester exams. The final will be comprehensive, covering material
from the entire semester. The best preparation for these tests is a thorough understanding of the
material and an understanding of the problems done for homework.
Grading
3 Midterm Exams (3 x 15%)
Homework Assignments
Class Activities
Final Comprehensive Exam
45%
34%
5%
16%
------ Total = 100%
** Grade Scale: The following criteria will be used for determining letter grades:
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90 -100% = A: Superior Work. Student demonstrates a thorough and complete
understanding of the subject.
80 - 89% = B: Excellent Work. Student demonstrates an above average understanding of
the subject.
70 - 79% = C: Good Work. Student demonstrates an average understanding of the material.
60 - 69% = D: Fair Work. Student demonstrates below average understanding of the
material and has completed most of assignments.
0 - 59% = F: Unsatisfactory Work. Student does not demonstrate and adequate
understanding of the subject and has not turned in all assignments.
Grades of A and B are given to students who have demonstrated by their performance on exams,
homework and in class exercises that they not only can do the required problems, but that they
also understand the material well enough to explain it to others and to engage in knowledgeable
conversations about the principles and meaning of Quantum Mechanics. Such students will
have NOT have memorized and regurgitated course material. They will have retained the
course material because they have spent the time to become familiar with it and have gained
some understanding of it.
A and B students will have devoted the required time and effort to the course. It is generally
accepted that each week successful students should spend a minimum of 2 to 3 productive
hours outside of class for each hour in class. This course will require an investment each week
of 8 to 12 productive hours outside of class studying the previous class material, doing
homework, preparing for the next class and studying for exams.
Inclement Weather
In case of inclement weather, call the Gull Line at 410-546-6426 for weather related closing
information or check the Salisbury University web page.
Important Notice
If your Physics 316 grade will affect any of the following: 1) whether you receive or retain a
scholarship (athletic or otherwise); 2) your eligibility to participate in any university sponsored
activity; 3) your standing with your fraternity, sorority, the university, or any other student
organization; NOW IS THE TIME TO BECOME CONCERNED - NOT AT FINAL EXAM OR
AFTER FINAL GRADES HAVE BEEN DETERMINED!! Please do not wait until the last minute,
when it will be too late for anyone to help you! Also remember, we are here to learn knowledge
and most of all have FUN!!
(May da 4s b w/u!)
Physics 316 – Quantum Mechanics – Fall 2015
Tentative Schedule
Dates
Sep. 1 – Oct. 1
October 1
Oct. 1 – Nov. 5
November 5
Nov. 5 – Dec. 3
December 3
Dec. 3 – Dec. 10
Concepts
Selected From Chapters
Wave Functions
One
Time-Independent Schrödinger
Equation (Stationary States,
Infinite Square Well,
Harmonic Oscillator)
Two
Exam One
Time-Independent Schrödinger
Equation (Free Particle, Delta
Function, Finite Square
Well, Applications)
Formalism (Hilbert Space,
Observables, Hermitian
Operators)
Two
Three
Exam Two
Formalism (Uncertainty Principle,
Dirac Notation)
Three
Schrödinger Equation in Three
Dimensions (Spherical
Coordinates, Hydrogen Atom)
Four
Exam Three
Schrödinger Equation in Three
Dimensions (Angular
Momentum, Spin)
Identical Particles (Two particle
systems, atoms, solids,
statistical quanta)
Four
Five
Detailed schedules will be provided during the semester.
Final Exam is Scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 17th, 10:45am – 1:15pm