Quantum Mechnics I

Assignments

• for Fri Sept 1
  1. Read the article "One Hundred Years of Quantum Physics", Kleppner and Jackiw, Science 11 Aug 2000
  2. Review as needed the modern physics section of an intro text, i.e. chapters 40-43 in University Physics, including E=hf, P=h/lambda, energy levels, uncertainty principle, motivation from thermo for Plank's constant, Bohr's atom, spectral lines, and so on, all as background for the meat of the theory to come.
  3. Brush up as needed on your basic differential equations, linear algebra, and complex numbers, and statistics/probability. Reality check:
     1. Let A = [1, 2, 5 ] and B = [-1, 0, 1]. Find the projection of B onto A.
     2. A randomly chosen number has equal probability of being any real value from 2 to 7. What is it's average value? What is it's standard deviation? What do these values mean? What is it's probability distribution?
     3. The differential equation for a spring (simple harmonic oscillator) is
        d²x/dt² = - k/m x
        where m = the mass, k = the spring constant, t is time, and x(t) is the position of the mass. Derive the solution to this equation using complex numbers. Find the specific solution given initial values x₀ and v₀ for the position and velocity.
     4. Find (2+i)⁽²⁺ⁱ⁾ .
     5. JIM'S SOLUTIONS
  4. Dive right in: Read the preface and chapter 1 of Griffith's text. Be ready to ask questions.
• for Wed Sept 6
  1. Read chap 1 in text. Do 1.8, 1.14.