Course 2 of Statistical Thermodynamics presents an introduction to quantum mechanics at a level appropriate for those with mechanical or aerospace engineering backgrounds. Using a postulatory approach that describes the steps to follow, the Schrodinger wave equation is derived and simple solutions obtained that illustrate atomic and molecular structural behavior. More realistic behavior is also explored along with modern quantum chemistry numerical solution methods for solving the wave equation.
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Statistical Thermodynamics SpecializationUniversity of Colorado BoulderAbout this Course
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Course 2 of 5 in the
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Advanced Level
Approx. 5 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Skills you will gain
Mechanical EngineeringChemistryQuantum Mechanics
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 2 of 5 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Advanced Level
Approx. 5 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Offered by
University of Colorado Boulder
CU-Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
Introduction to quantum mechanics
Module 1presents an introduction to quantum mechanics at a level appropriate for those with mechanical or aerospace engineering backgrounds. Using a postulatory approach that describes the steps to follow, the Schrodinger wave equation is derived and it is showen that the time dependence can be separated and a stationary wave equation results.
1 hour to complete
4 videos (Total 35 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
A Short History of Quantum Mechanics9m
The Postulates of Quantum Mechanics9m
The Stationary Wave Equation6m
4 readings
Quantum Mechanics and the Structure of Matter10m
A Short History of Quantum Mechanics10m
The Postulates of Quantum Mechanics10m
The Stationary Wave Equation10m
1 practice exercise
Problem 4.110m
2 hours to complete
Simple Solutions of the Wave Equation
In module 2 we solve the stationary wave equation for several simple systems. These include the particle in a box, the rigid rotator, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogenic atom. These simple solutions form the basisi for discussing real atomic and molecular behavior in the next module.
2 hours to complete
4 videos (Total 46 min), 4 readings
4 videos
Internal Motion: Radial and Angular Motion7m
The Hydrogenic Atom9m
The Diatomic Molecule18m
4 readings
The Particle in a Box10m
Internal Motion: Radial and Angular Motion10m
The Hydrogenic Atom10m
The Diatomic Molecule10m
2 hours to complete
Real Atomic and Molecular Behavior
In Module 3 we explore the more realistic behavior of atoms and molecules. We also introduce and discuss numerical methods for solving the wave equation.
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 59 min), 6 readings
6 videos
The Pauli Exclusion Principle4m
Multi-Electron Atoms13m
Diatomic Molecules: Real Behavior8m
Polyatomic Molecules12m
Numerical Methods for Solving the Wave Equation13m
6 readings
Real Atoms10m
The Pauli Exclusion Principle10m
Multi-Electron Atoms10m
Diatomic Molecules: Real Behavior10m
Polyatomic Molecules10m
Numerical Methods for Solving the Wave Equation10m
About the Statistical Thermodynamics Specialization
This specialization was developed for the mechanical or aerospace engineering advanced undergraduate graduate or graduate student who already has a strong background in undergraduate engineering thermodynamics and is ready to tackle the underlying fundamentals of the subject. It is designed for those entering advanced fields such as combustion, high temperature gas dynamics, environmental sciences, or materials processing, or wishes to build a background for understanding advanced experimental diagnostic techniques in these or similar fields. It covers the relationship between macroscopic and microscopic thermodynamics and derives properties for gases, liquids and solids. It also covers non-equilibrium behavior as found in kinetic theory and chemical kinetics. The main innovation is the use of the postulatory approach to introducing fundamental concepts and the very clear connection between macroscopic and microscopic thermodynamics. By introducing basic ideas using postulates, students are given a very straightforward way to think about important concepts, including entropy and temperature, ensembles and quantum mechanics.
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