PHYS13071 Quantum Physics

This course establishes the connection between microscopic and macroscopic descriptions of closed physical systems through a discussion of the equilibrium statistics of classical and quantum particles. Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distribution functions and examples of their application are discussed. The principles of the Schroedinger theory of wave mechanics are established and the solutions of the Schroedinger equation for particles moving in simple one-dimensional potential wells discussed. Barrier penetration and its application to the explanation of alpha particle emission and field emission from cathodes are considered.