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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
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