CHEM105: Physical Chemistry I
- Page ID
- 7763
- Unit 1: Origins of Quantum Theory
Quantum mechanics originated in the late nineteenth century, when classical physics dramatically failed to explain certain experimental results. The three main experimental observations that could not be explained by classical physics include phenomena related to the blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, and the emission of atomic spectra. Although physicists initially tried to patch up classical theory, it gradually became clear that new ideas were necessary. In this unit, you will learn in details about the origins of quantum mechanics.
- 1.1 Mathematical Review for Physical Chemistry
- 1.2 Mathematical Concepts in Quantum Mechanics
- 1.3 Review of Classical Mechanics
- 1.4 The Failure of Classical Physics and the Origins of Quantum Mechanics
- 1.4.1 Blackbody Radiation and the Ultraviolet Catastrophe
Note: This subunit is covered by the readings assigned beneath subunit 1.4. In particular, please focus on Section 1 of Professor Carroll’s “Three Failures of Classical Physics” to learn about blackbody radiation.
- 1.4.2 The Photoelectric Effect
Note: This topic is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.4. Please review Section 2 of Professor Carroll’s “Three Failures of Classical Physics” to learn about the photoelectric effect.
- 1.4.3 Atomic Spectra
Note: This topic is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.4. Please review Section 3 of Professor Carroll’s “Three Failures of Classical Physics” to learn about the inability of classical physics to explain the emission spectra of the hydrogen atom.
- 1.4.4 Historical Background of Quantum Mechanics
Note: This topic is covered by the reading assigned beneath subunit 1.4. Please review Professor James Cresser’s “The Early History of Quantum Mechanics” Lecture Notes for a narrative of the experimental work that led to quantum theory.
- 1.5 The Wave-Particle Duality
- 1.6 The de Broglie Wavelength