QUANTUM MECHANICS IN CHEMISTRY

(WS 2005/2006)

21 330 V/U (3+1)

Dr. Ilja G. Shenderovich  


Lectures and exercises:


V: Mo.9:00 - 12:00   in SR. 25.01, Takustr. 3
U:  Mo.  14:00 - 15:00 in SR. 25.01, Takustr. 3


This course is intended for international Master students. It is based on knowledge of the necessary mathematics i.e. elementary analysis (differentiation and integration) and linear algebra (matrices and vectors). The aim of this facultative course is to prepare the students to the obligatory course of Quantum Chemistry.

The lectures and exercises are offered in English.


Contents of the lecture


Irrational numbers; Limits; Derivative; Series; Trigonometric functions; Fourier series; Complex numbers; Periodicity.

Classical Mechanics
Newton's Equations of Motion; Boltzmann distribution; Geometric optics; Wave optics.

Schroedinger Equation
Energy as a Constant of the Motion; Wave Function; Schrödinger's Equation of Motion; Operators; Probability Function; Eigenvalues and Eigenfunctions; Mean value; Uncertainty Principle.

Motion of a quantum particle
Free particle traveling in an unbounded one-dimensional region; Infinitely Thick Potential Wall; Boundary Conditions; Flux Density; Finite Width Barrier; Particle in a box.

Harmonic Oscillator

Hydrogen Atom
SIMPLE MODELS: Particle on a ring; Polar coordinates; Angular momentum; Particle on a sphere; Rigid rotor.
HYDROGENIC WAVEFUNCTION: Radial wavefunction; Spherical harmonics; Atomic orbitals; Quantum numbers; Helium atom.

Perturbation Theory
MATH: Vectors; Matrixes; Eigenvectors and eigenvalues; Bra and ket vectors.
PERTURBATION THEORY: Perturbed wavefunctions; Many-level system; Orders of correction.
VARIATION METHODS: Fixed trial functions; variable trial functions. 



Literature:

  • Linus Pauling and E. Bright Wilson, Jr.


Introduction to quantum mechanics with applications to chemistry
Dover Publ., Inc., NY, 1985

  • Peter Atkins and Ronald Friedman


Molecular quantum mechanics
Oxford university press Inc., NY, 2005



Evaluation:

To pass the course, it is necessary to accumulate 50 % of the points in two examinations. The first one in the middle and the second one at the end of the course. 



Notes:

Notes