Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to understand the use of quantum numbers, and Pauli's principle in labelling energy levels; calculate the energy levels for a simple harmonic oscillator; calculate thin lens properties using the thin lens formula; describe a range of optical instruments and their uses; understand how spectroscopic notation is used in multi-electron systems; explain nuclear structure models and how radio-active decay schemes are characterised; state and understand the significance of the laws of thermodynamics; explain in thermodynamic terms how engines and refrigerators work; perform a series of measurements on experiments related to the above topics; write up experimental reports presenting results and analysing and discussing them.
Synopsis This subject comprises four units. (1) Quantum physics: The simple harmonic oscillator, energy levels and quantum numbers. The hydrogen atom, angular momentum quantum numbers and orbitals. The Pauli exclusion principle. Energy level diagrams, multi-particle systems. (2) Atomic and nuclear physics: hydrogenic atoms, multi-electron atoms, binding energy and ionisation, atomic spectra. Atomic models, L-S and J-J coupling. X-rays and x-ray spectra. Nuclear structure, Nuclear binding energies. Nuclear models. Radioactive decay. Conservation laws and nuclear fission and fusion. (3) Thermodynamics: Concept of temperature, thermal equilibrium, laws of thermodynamics, engines and refrigerators, reversibility and irreversibility. Entropy, free energy and thermodynamic potentials. Phase transitions. (4) Optics: Geometrical optics of thin lens, matrix formulation. Wave properties, polarisation and birefringent media. Optical materials, dispersion. Interferometers and instruments exploring diffraction. Laser beam optics.
Assessment Examinations (4 x 1.5 hours ): 67% + Laboratory work: 33%