Quantum and Nuclear Physics (HL)

Essential ideas:

• The microscopic quantum world offers a range of phenomena, the interpretation and explanation of which require new ideas and concepts not found in the classical world.
• The idea of discreteness that we met in the atomic world continues to exist in the nuclear world as well.

Much of the work towards a quantum theory of atoms was guided by the need to explain the observed patterns in atomic spectra. The first quantum model of matter is the Bohr model for hydrogen.

The acceptance of the wave–particle duality paradox for light and particles required scientists in many fields to view research from new perspectives.

Progress in atomic, nuclear and particle physics often came from theoretical advances and strokes of inspiration.

New ways of detecting subatomic particles due to advances in electronic technology were also crucial.

Finally, the analysis of the data gathered in modern particle detectors in particle accelerator experiments would be impossible without modern computing power.

A Brief History of Quantum Mechanics (Part 1) 9mins50secs

• Atomic spectra
• Blackbody Spectrum
• Max Planck and the UV catastrophe
• Quantisation of energy
• Photoelectric effect

A Brief History of Quantum Mechanics (Part 2) 9mins39secs

• Bohr Model
• Atomic spectra
• Wave-Particle duality
• Electrons as standing waves
• Introduction to Heisenberg uncertainty principle

A Brief History of Quantum Mechanics (Part 3) 9mins13secs

• Schrodinger model of atom
• Heisenberg uncertainty principle
• Atomic energy levels and spectral lines

A Brief History of Quantum Mechanics (Part 4) 9mins19secs

• Pauli exclusion principle
• Electron spin, Fermions and Bosons
• Entanglement