STRUCTURE OF MATTER 1

Module EXERCISES

The course aims to describe and analyze some experiments and models that are particularly significant for their role in the birth and development of modern physics and quantum mechanics. Theories and introductory elements of atomic, molecular, and condensed matter physics will also be presented.

Knowledge and Understanding: Critical understanding of the most advanced developments in the Physics of Matter, both theoretical and experimental, and their interconnections, including in interdisciplinary fields. Adequate knowledge of advanced mathematical and computer tools currently used in basic and applied research. Excellent command of the scientific method and understanding of the nature and procedures of physics research.

Ability to Apply Knowledge: Ability to identify the essential elements of a phenomenon, in terms of order of magnitude and required level of approximation, and be able to make the required approximations.

Making Judgments: Ability to argue personal interpretations of physical phenomena, including through discussion within work groups. Development of a sense of responsibility in the study of topics.

Communication skills: Ability to communicate in Italian and English in advanced areas of physics.

Learning skills: Ability to acquire adequate cognitive tools for continuous knowledge updating. Ability to access specialized literature both in the relevant field and in related scientific fields. Ability to use databases and bibliographic and scientific resources to extract information and insights to better frame and develop one's study and research work. Ability to acquire knowledge in new scientific fields through independent study.

frontal teaching 

Should the circumstances require online or blended teaching, appropriate
modifications to what is hereby stated may be introduced, in order to
achieve the main objectives of the course.

7 CFU (corresponding to 7 hours each) are dedicated to classroom lessons, for a total of 49 hours, 2 CFU (corresponding to 30 hours) are dedicated to exercises

Electrons & Photons: Millikan experiments - photoelectric effect - Compton effect - blackbody radiation - X-ray diffraction

Atoms: Brownian motion, Rutherford scattering, Bohr atom, Schroedinger equation - De Broglie wavelength - Uncertainty principle - tunnel effect - Hydrogen atom - Helium atom - Spin - Complex atoms

Molecules:  Bi-atomic molecules - Born Oppenheimer approximation - Raman effect

Quantum statistics: Fermi-Dirac statistics - Bose Einstein statistics - Fermi gas - Bose-Einstein condensation

[1] J. J. Brehm e W. Mullin, Introduction to the Structure of Matter, John Wiley (1989).

[2] R. Eisberg e R. Resnick, Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids & Nuclei, J. Wiley

[3] G. Herzberg, Spettri atomici e struttura atomica, Boringhieri

[4] W. Demtroeder, Atoms, molecules and photons, Springer

[5] C. Kittel e H. Kroemer, Termodinamica Statistica, Boringhieri

[6] B. Cagnac, Modern Atomic Physics, J. Wiley

[7] B.H. Brandsen and C.J. Joachain, Physics of atoms and molecules, Longman Scientific & Technical

[8] A.P. French, E.F. Taylor, An Introduction to Quantum Physics, MIT Introductory Physics Series

The exam will consist of a written test and an oral exam. The written test consists of exercises on course topics and will be considered valid during the exam session in which it is passed. Two interim tests will be administered throughout the year (each covering half the program). 

Students who pass both tests will not need to take the written test and can proceed directly to the oral exam.

Exams may take place online, depending on circumstances.

Typically, there are eight exam sessions per academic year; consult the Exam Schedule for the Bachelor's Degree in Physics: http://www.dfa.unict.it/corsi/L-30/esami .

All course topics are equally covered by questions.

Example Question 1: Describe the photoelectric effect

Example Question 2: Describe the Zeeman effect

Example Question 3: Derive the Fermi-Dirac statistics