Objectives

• explain why transitions between quantum states must usually be described in probabilistic terms
• aproximate the force felt by one atom in the vicinity of another
• identify bound states, equilibrium separation and binding energy on a net potential energy curve
• define ionic and covalent bond and give examples of each
• calculate the allowed rotational and vibrational energy levels, Erot and Ervibr respectively
• estimate the effective force constant from a given spacing between vibrational energy levels
• calculate the total energy of a vibration-rotation system
• find the energy released by a photon during a vibrational transition
• discuss what causes band structure
• explain the what is meant by Raman scattering and why Raman spectroscopy is useful
• compare and contrast spontaneous and stimulated emission
• understand the basic mechanisms involved in the production of a laser, including the applications of three- and four-level systems
• be familiar with some of the many scientific applications of lasers
• know qualitatively and quantitatively why atoms of a solid arrange themselves in a particular lattice structure
• write down the attractive and repulsive potential on each ion and know what causes each
• show that the mean separation between atoms in a solid is nearly proportional to temperatue in the classical limit
• compare thermal and electrical conductivities to obtain the Wiedemann-Franz law
• make corrections to find quantum mechanical result of the Lorenz number
• calculate magnetic susceptibility
• talk about the difference between ferromagnets, paramagnets and diamagnets and their relative values of magnetic susceptibility
• understand the relationship known as the Curie law, and at what range of B it applies
• state the two distinctive macroscopic features of a superconductor
• explain what is know as the "Meissner effect"
• talk about the similarities and differences between type I and type II superconductors
• site the important features of the BCS theory and some observed phenomena it successfully predicted
• know why if you have found one new superconductor, then you have probably found several
• have a basic understanding of Josephson junctions and other applications of superconductor