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MODERN PHYSICS

Module code: EP302
Credits: 5
Semester: 2
Department: EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS
International:
Coordinator: Dr Créidhe O'Sullivan (EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS)

	Overview
	The aim of this module is to develop a solid understanding of the principles of quantum physics, the structure of atoms, the periodic system of the elements, the structure of nuclei, the fundamental forces and elementary particles. Module content Quantum Physics: Wave-particle duality, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, the wavefunction and its interpretation, eigenvalue equations, the Schrödinger equation, the particle in a box, tunneling, the harmonic oscillator, wavefunctions and the quantum numbers of the Hydrogen atom. Atomic Physics: Pauli exclusion principle, bosons and fermions, Zeeman effect, Stern-Gerlach experiment, electron spin, multi-electron atoms, optical transitions, X-ray emission, periodic system, rotations, vibrations and electronic excitations in diatomic molecules. Nuclear Physics: nuclear structure, binding energy, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, nuclear fission and reactors, nuclear fusion, fundamental forces and the standard model. This module specifically addresses the following topics of the Core of Physics, as defined by Institute of Physics: - Matrices to the level of eigenvalues and eigenvectors - Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle - Wave function and its interpretation - Standard solutions and quantum numbers, to the level of the hydrogen atom - Tunnelling - Quantum structure and spectra of simple atoms - Nuclear masses and binding energies - Radioactive decay, fission and fusion - Pauli exclusion principle, fermions and bosons and elementary particles - Fundamental forces and the Standard Model

Overview

The aim of this module is to develop a solid understanding of the principles of quantum physics, the structure of atoms, the periodic system of the elements, the structure of nuclei, the fundamental forces and elementary particles.

Module content

Quantum Physics: Wave-particle duality, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, the wavefunction and its interpretation, eigenvalue equations, the Schrödinger equation, the particle in a box, tunneling, the harmonic oscillator, wavefunctions and the quantum numbers of the Hydrogen atom.

Atomic Physics: Pauli exclusion principle, bosons and fermions, Zeeman effect, Stern-Gerlach experiment, electron spin, multi-electron atoms, optical transitions, X-ray emission, periodic system, rotations, vibrations and electronic excitations in diatomic molecules.

Nuclear Physics: nuclear structure, binding energy, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, nuclear fission and reactors, nuclear fusion, fundamental forces and the standard model.

This module specifically addresses the following topics of the Core of Physics, as defined by Institute of Physics:

- Matrices to the level of eigenvalues and eigenvectors

- Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle

- Wave function and its interpretation

- Standard solutions and quantum numbers, to the level of the hydrogen atom

- Tunnelling

- Quantum structure and spectra of simple atoms

- Nuclear masses and binding energies

- Radioactive decay, fission and fusion

- Pauli exclusion principle, fermions and bosons and elementary particles

- Fundamental forces and the Standard Model

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Describe the essential concepts of quantum physics, and apply these to a selection of simple one-dimensional physical systems. Discuss the quantum numbers, the energy levels and the optical transitions of the hydrogen atom, and in diatomic molecules. Distinguish between bosons and fermions, and apply the Pauli exclusion principle to the electronic structure of the ground states of multi-electron atoms and the periodic table of the elements. Discuss the structure of nuclei and nuclear binding energy and the application of nuclear reactions in fission and fusion processes. Solve relevant conceptual and numerical problems. Carry out relevant laboratory experiments to demonstrate and test physical principles and report the results.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes Continuous Assessment mark carries over to the Autumn examination. University scheduled written examination (Autumn): 120 minutes, On-campus

Timetable

Courses / Module

MODERN PHYSICS

Semester 1

Semester 2