This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.
Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session
Recitations: 2 sessions / week, 1 hour / session
Quantum Physics I explores the experimental basis of quantum mechanics, including:
This class also provides an introduction to wave mechanics, via:
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.
Gasiorowicz, Stephen. Quantum Physics. 3rd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2003. ISBN: 9780471057000.
French, A. P., and Edwin F. Taylor. Introduction to Quantum Physics. New York, NY: Norton, 1978. ISBN: 9780393090154.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| ACTIVITIES | PERCENTAGES |
|---|---|
| Exam 1 | 20% |
| Exam 2 | 20% |
| Final exam | 40% |
| Problem sets | 20% |
| LEC # | TOPICS |
|---|---|
| 1 | Overview, scale of quantum mechanics, boundary between classical and quantum phenomena |
| 2 | Planck's constant, interference, Fermat's principle of least time, deBroglie wavelength |
| 3 | Double slit experiment with electrons and photons, wave particle duality, Heisenberg uncertainty |
| 4 | Wavefunctions and wavepackets, probability and probability amplitude, probability density |
| 5 | Thomson atom, Rutherford scattering |
| 6 | Photoelectric effect, X-rays, Compton scattering, Franck Hertz experiment |
| 7 | Bohr model, hydrogen spectral lines |
| 8 | Bohr correspondence principle, shortcomings of Bohr model, Wilson-Sommerfeld quantization rules |
| 9 | Schrödinger equation in one dimension, infinite 1D well |
| In-class exam 1 | |
| 10 | Eigenfunctions as basis, interpretation of expansion coefficients, measurement |
| 11 | Operators and expectation values, time evolution of eigenstates, classical limit, Ehrenfest's theorem |
| 12 | Eigenfunctions of p and x, Dirac delta function, Fourier transform |
| 13 | Wavefunctions and operators in position and momentum space, commutators and uncertainty |
| 14 | Motion of wavepackets, group velocity and stationary phase, 1D scattering off potential step |
| 15 | Boundary conditions, 1D problems: Finite square well, delta function potential |
| 16 | More 1D problems, tunneling |
| 17 | Harmonic oscillator: Series method |
| In-class exam 2 | |
| 18 | Harmonic oscillator: Operator method, Dirac notation |
| 19 | Schrödinger equation in 3D: Cartesian, spherical coordinates |
| 20 | Angular momentum, simultaneous eigenfunctions |
| 21 | Spherical harmonics |
| 22 | Hydrogen atom: Radial equation |
| 23 | Hydrogen atom: 3D eigenfunctions and spectrum |
| 24 | Entanglement, Einstein-Podolsky Rosen paradox |
| Final exam |
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