Re: QM for sophomores?

["Paul Camp" <pjcamp@coastal.edu>]

> This time, I'm seriously considering omitting most discussion of the S.E. 
> and mainly talking about the wave function itself and the conditions that
> it must satisfy.  Perhaps I'd state the S.E. without trying to justify it,
> and spend some time on what it means for a function to be a solution to
> it.  Then I'd move on to the hydrogen atom, wave my hands a bit, pull the
> quantum numbers out of my hat, and discuss their physical significance. 

> -- 
> Jon Bell <jtbell@presby.edu>                        Presbyterian College
> Dept. of Physics and Computer Science        Clinton, South Carolina USA

This is what I did in a recent modern physics class (albeit for only 
one exceptional student). Beiser's book (which you have selected) is 
very good in this regard -- I especially like the graphical problems 
on possible and impossible wave functions.

What you might consider is following the course advocated in Arons' 
_Guide_, involving extended consideration of the Thomson and Lenard 
experiments, leading up to the Bohr atom. He has several suggested 
extended assignments to lead students through the physics involved 
that are quite good and tend to lead to several "aha" moments.

Paul J. Camp                   "The Beauty of the Universe
Assistant Professor of Physics  consists not only of unity
Coastal Carolina University     in variety but also of 
Conway, SC   29528              variety in unity.
pjcamp@csd1.coastal.edu             --Umberto Eco
pjcamp@postoffice.worldnet.att.net    The Name of the Rose
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