University of Colorado Boulder

Theory of Angular Momentum

This course is part of Quantum Mechanics for Engineers Specialization

Taught in English

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Wounjhang Park

Instructor: Wounjhang Park

5,544 already enrolled

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Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.0

(16 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

12 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Progress towards a degree

What you'll learn

  • Specify the quantum states of the electron in a hydrogen atom.

  • Describe spin states quantum mechanically.

  • Solve eigenvalue equations of angular momentum operators.

  • Add general angular momenta.

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Assessments

3 quizzes

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.0

(16 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

12 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Progress towards a degree

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This course is part of the Quantum Mechanics for Engineers Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 3 modules in this course

In this module we will introduce the course on the theory of angular momentum and then introduce the quantum mechanical definition of orbital momentum. We will then use the spherical harmonics to express the orbital angular momentum eigenstates and use them to describe the hydrogen atom states.

What's included

5 videos4 readings1 quiz2 discussion prompts

In this module, we introduce the general definition of angular momentum operator based on rotation operator. This general definition allows both orbital and spin angular momentum. We then derive the most fundamental property of angular momentum - commutation relations among their Cartesian components. Finally, we discuss the properties of spin-1/2 system.

What's included

4 videos3 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

This module covers the general theory of angular momentum. We start with the commutation relation of angular momentum and define angular momentum eigenstates. We then construct matrix representation of rotation operators using the angular momentum eigenstates as the basis set. Finally, we discuss how to quantum mechanically add angular momenta.

What's included

6 videos3 readings1 quiz1 peer review

Instructor

Wounjhang Park
University of Colorado Boulder
6 Courses47,496 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Electrical Engineering

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