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

Physics III

Physik III

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Jonathan Home

A repetition week is offered in cw45.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:50

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

Geometrical and wave optics: lenses, imaging systems, refraction and Fermat's principle, reflection, interference, Fabry-Perot etalons, interferometers, spectrometers. Introduction to quantum physics: photons, photoelectric effect, Thomson and Rutherford scattering, Compton scattering, Bohr's model of the atom, deBroglie matter waves. Quantum mechanics: wave-particle duality, wavefunctions, operators, Schrödinger equation, Potential wells, harmonic oscillator. Quantum mechanics of atoms: Coulomb potential, hydrogen atom, atomic orbitals, spin, Zeeman effect, spin-orbit coupling, multielectron atoms, selection rules, absorption and emission of radiation. Statistical physics: probability distributions, ideal gases, equipartition theorem, equations of state, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, Blackbody radiation

Resources

Lecture Notes

Electronic copes of all lecture materials will be available. Several books are recommended as supplementary reading.

Literature

H. Hecht, Optics, ISBN 0-321-18878-0 D. J. Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, ISBN 978-1-107-17986-8 F. Mandl, Statistical Physics, ISBN 0-471-91532-7

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 180 minutes
Aids: Students are allowed to bring five A4-sheets of paper with notes, and can be written on both sides. Calculators are permitted but must not be used to store information or communicate. Formularies are allowed.

A bonus to the final mark of 0.25 is possible by completing a sufficient number of homework exercises assigned throughout the semester. More details will be available a the beginning of the semester. Note that a grade of 6 is possible without this bonus.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Physics III	No time listed	4 h weekly
exercise	Physics III	No time listed	2 h weekly