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402-2883-00L 7 Credits BSC D-CHAB , D-MATH , D-PHYS
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Physics III

Physik III

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Yiwen Chu
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:44

Abstract

Introductory course on quantum and atomic physics including optics and statistical physics.

Objective

A basic introduction to quantum and atomic physics, including basics of optics and equilibrium statistical physics. The course will focus on the relation of these topics to experimental methods and observations.

Content

Evidence for Quantum Mechanics: atoms, photons, photo-electric effect, Rutherford scattering, Compton scattering, de-Broglie waves. Quantum mechanics: wavefunctions, operators, Schrodinger's equation, infinite and finite square well potentials, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atoms, spin. Atomic structure: Perturbation to basic structure, including Zeeman effect, spin-orbit coupling, many-electron atoms. X-ray spectra, optical selection rules, emission and absorption of radiation, including lasers. Optics: Fermat's principle, lenses, imaging systems, diffraction, interference, relation between geometrical and wave descriptions, interferometers, spectrometers. Statistical mechanics: probability distributions, micro and macrostates, Boltzmann distribution, ensembles, equipartition theorem, blackbody spectrum, including Planck distribution

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes will be provided electronically during the course.

Literature

Quantum mechanics/Atomic physics/Molecules: "The Physics of Atoms and Quanta", H. Hakan and H. C. Wolf, ISBN 978-3-642-05871-4 Optics: "Optics", E. Hecht, ISBN 0-321-18878-0 Statistical mechanics: "Statistical Physics", F. Mandl 0-471-91532-7

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
Mathematische Formelsammlung, Taschenrechner, max. 5 A4 Blätter (beidseitig beschrieben) handgeschriebene Zusammenfassung (keine Fotokopien!), Übersetzungswörterbuch.
Students are allowed to take in 5 pages of notes written on both sides. Calculators are permitted but must not be used to store information. Formularies are allowed.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Physik III (Physics III)
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
  • Mon 09:00-11:00 (ON LI NE)
  • Thu 08:00-10:00 (ON LI NE)
4 h weekly
exercise Physik III (Physics III)
Groups are selected in myStudies. Possible options to be discussed when lecture starts: Language English, German and even Italian or French is possible Two exercise groups Thu 16-18 are planned to take place at the ETH Zentrum campus. The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
  • Thu 15:45-17:30 (HIL B 21)
  • Thu 15:45-17:30 (HIL E 4)
  • Thu 15:45-17:30 (HIL E 5)
  • Thu 15:45-17:30 (HIL E 9)
  • Thu 15:45-17:30 (HIT F 11.1)
  • Thu 16:00-18:00 (ON LI NE)
  • Thu 16:00-18:00 (ON LI NE)
  • Thu 16:00-18:00 (ON LI NE)
  • Thu 16:00-18:00 (ON LI NE)
  • Thu 16:15-18:00 (CHN D 42)
  • Thu 16:15-18:00 (HG E 5)
  • Thu 16:15-18:00 (NO E 11)
2 h weekly

Offered In