Learning objectives
The aim is to provide the basis for the understanding of the more significant aspects of physics of matter: particles, nuclei, atoms and molecules, using the concepts of relativity and quantum mechanics.
The aim is to transfer knowledge and facilitate understanding
at a level which, using advanced texts, allows to approach the main aspects of Nuclear Physics, Atomic, Molecular and Particle and then provide the expertise to solve problems, interpret results and communicate properly, developing independent learning skills necessary for subsequent searches.
Prerequisites
General Physics and Courses on Introduction to the Modern Physics (Relativity and Quantum Physics)
Course unit content
Introduction to Atomic and Molecular Physics, to the Nuclear Physics and to Particle Physics and fundamental interactions
Full programme
Mass and energy - Relativistic dynamics
Physics of the Nucleus - SEMF - nuclear Models - Introduction to Shell Model
Nuclear Reactions - radioactive decays - Energetics of the Nuclear Reactions
Neutron activation analysis - 14 C Dating - Rutherford Backscattering - PIXE - PIGE
Fission - Fusion
Atoms - Hydrogen atom - Angular moments - vector model - Spin - Symmetry - Selection rules - spin-orbit interaction - LS and jj coupling - perturbation theory and variational method - helium atom - Zeeman effect - Electronic configuration - spectral terms - equivalent electrons - levels - states - degeneration - polyelectronic atoms - Hartree Fock and Slater determinants - XPS
Molecules - MO-LCAO - Classification of states - Approximation techniques - Molecular Spectroscopy (vibrational, IR, Raman, UV-VIS) - Density Functional
Symmetries and applications of group theory - Selection Rules
Particles - Classification - Conservation laws - Quarks and standard model
Bibliography
Course Notes and materiale provide by the teacher
P.A. Tipler, R.A. Llewellyn: Modern Physics, WH Freeman
P. Atkins, J.de Paula, F. Friedman: Quanta, Matter and Change, WH Freeman
B.R. Martin: Nuclear and Particle Physics. An introduction, Wiley
H. Haken, H.C. Wolf: The physics of atoms and quanta, Springer
P. Atkins, F. Friedman: Molecular Quantum Mechanics, Oxford UP
W.N. Cottingham, D.A.Greenwood: An introduction to nuclear physics, Cambridge UP
P.J. Mulders, W. Ubachs: The structure of Matter, UUA
W. Loveland, D.J. Morrison, G.T. Seaborg: Modern Nuclear Chemistry, Wiley
R.A. Serway, C.J. Moses, C.A. Moyer: Modern Physics, Thomson
R.G. Mortimer: Physical Chemistry, AP
Teaching methods
Lessons and many exercises
Assessment methods and criteria
Written and oral exam
Other information
Some introductory lectures are devoted to an outline of Quantum Mechanics
