AP80465: Quantum Mechanics I

Deterministic Newtonian mechanics describes the motion of macroscopic objects well, in everyday environments as well as on scales up to galaxies and even galaxy clusters. However, theory and experiments have shown that the motion of atomic and subatomic particles is not deterministic but is instead governed by probabilistic laws. Such behavior is described by the branch of physics called quantum mechanics.

At the undergraduate level, the study of quantum mechanics is distributed across two modules: Quantum Mechanics I and Quantum Mechanics II. The present module is Quantum Mechanics I. In this module, the weaknesses of classical theories in explaining certain physical phenomena are highlighted. Black-body radiation, the photoelectric effect, and the hydrogen emission spectrum are reviewed in depth, and their explanations within the "old quantum theory" are developed. The modern framework of Schrödinger quantum mechanics is then introduced, based on de Broglie's hypothesis of the wave–particle duality of matter. The module concludes with the solution of the Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom.

Lecturer: Dr Mushinzimana Xavier

Office: Muhabura - 4R05

Email: x.mushinzimana@ur.ac.rw

           xaviermushi@gmail.com

Portable: + 250 788837257