Contents
This course gives an introduction to classical electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.
In electromagnetism topics include electric charge and current, electric and magnetic fields in vacuum and materials, and induction. The fundamental Maxwell-equations are established. As shown theoretically and later verified experimentally, now more than a century ago, these equations allow for electromagnetic waves and emission of radiation.
Quantum mechanics replace classical mechanics (Physics 1A) for motion on the microscopic scale, more exactly, on the atomic scale. Quantum mechanics thereby is a corner stone in the theory of all of the major fields of physics as well as in modern chemistry.
Following a short introductory discussion giving a motivation for the need for a quantum theory, the various basic ingredients of a quantum mechanical description of a physical system are presented: the wavefunction, Schrödinger's equation, representation of measurable quantities, and interpretation rules. Simple one-dimensional examples of quantum behaviour are studied including the potential well and barrier and the harmonic oscillator. The course concludes with a description of motion in three dimensions, including motion in a central potential, angular momentum, and the Hydrogen atom.
Text-books
H. D. Young og R. A. Freedman, University Physics, 9th edition (Addison-Wesley, Reading, 1996) and a book on quantum mechanics.
Evaluation
4-hour written exam
ECTS-credits
10
Semester
Fall