ATOMS AND QUANTA - 2021/2

Module Overview

This module identifies the new theories necessary to describe physical processes when we go beyond the normal speeds and sizes experienced in everyday life. A review of new phenomena that led to the development of quantum theory follows naturally into an introduction to the theory of atomic structure. Along the way, the Schrödinger equation is introduced and elementary applications are considered. Several important aspects of the structure and spectroscopy of atoms are considered in detail.

The basis is laid for the study of the properties of matter in more detail at higher levels.

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

LOTAY Gavin (Physics)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• 
  Introduction 2 hours The need for quantum theory, outline of course.
  


• 
  Quanta of light 5 hours Electromagnetic waves and light, blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton effect.
  


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  Wave-particle duality 3 hours De Broglie hypothesis, Born interpretation, Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
  


• 
  Quantum mechanics 6 hours Arguments leading to the Schrödinger equation, solution for a free      particle, wave functions, solution for a particle in a box, implications for energy quantization.
  


• 
  Quantum structure of atoms 8 hours Atomic spectra, Franck-Hertz experiment, spectral lines for      hydrogen, Bohr model, hydrogen atom in quantum mechanics, electron spin (Stern-Gerlach     experiment), Zeeman effect.
  


• 
  Multi-electron atoms 10 hours Pauli exclusion principle, shell structure, low levels of alkali atoms, characteristic x-rays, optical spectra, addition (coupling) of angular momentum, helium spectrum.
  


• 
  Molecules 2 hours
  


• 
  Topics of experiments will include: Fabry-Perot etalon; Millikan’s oil drop; speed of light; thermal radiation; Planck’s constant.
  

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Assessed Laboratory Diary Mark and Report/Poster UoA may be assessed by two laboratory experiments, two diaries and two written reports.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

• 
  recall of subject knowledge
  


• 
  ability to apply individual components of subject knowledge to simple problems
  


• 
  ability to synthesise and apply combined areas of subject knowledge to complex problems
  


• 
  competence in undertaking and analysing experimental work
  

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• 
  A laboratory diary mark (continuous assessment)
  


• 
  A laboratory report mark (end of semester)
  


• 
  a 2h final examination with 5/5 short questions to be answered, and 2/3 longer questions to be answered
  

 

Formative assessment and feedback

Verbal feedback will be given in tutorials, and during the laboratory sessions.  Written feedback will be given when marking the lab diary.

The Laboratory unit of assessment has a qualifying mark of 40%.

 

Module aims

• provide an understanding of the principles underlying elementary quantum theory and their experimental foundation.
• develop quantum principles so that the meaning and the use of the Schrödinger equation can be appreciated.
• instill a knowledge of the shell and orbital structure of atoms, and key effects such as fine structure.
• provide a broad foundation for further studies of atomic, nuclear and solid state phenomena,
• provide an introduction to spectroscopic notation and angular momentum coupling.
• via the  laboratory, reinforce concepts from lectures.  The aims of the laboratory are to build on the foundation of previous practical classes when conducting experiments to verify theory and to improve understanding.  Another aim is to develop skills in analysing data.  The importance of keeping a laboratory notebook (diary) and the clear presentation of results will be stressed.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• 
  equip students with subject knowledge
  


• 
  develop skills in applying subject knowledge to physical situations
  


• 
  develop practical laboratory skills
  

 

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 
  lecture-based classes with accompanying tutorials as 3h/week for 11 weeks
  


• 
  laboratory classes 20h overall, spread through the semester
  

 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PHY1040

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.