Lecture 4: Wave-Particle Duality of Matter; Schrödinger Equation

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Topics

 
  1. Light as a Particle (continued)
  2. Matter as a Wave
  3. The Schrödinger Equation

Lecture Video

The idea that matter (and thus an electron) has both particle-like and wave-like properties is introduced, and chemist Darcy Wanger Grinolds introduces us to quantum dot technology. We also start to consider the impact that the Schrödinger equation had on our understanding of the atom.

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Lecture Notes

Notes for Lecture 4 (PDF)

Clicker Questions

Lecture 4 Clicker Questions (PDF)

Textbook Reading

TOPICS 5th EDITION 4th EDITION
The Wave-Particle Duality of Matter Section 1.5 Section 1.5
The Uncertainty Principle Section 1.6 Section 1.6

Related Behind the Scenes at MIT Videos

Labeling Tumors With Quantum Dots 

Quantum dots are tiny semiconductor crystals with vivid colors that can be used as visual labels in biology and medicine. Quantum dots excited by UV radiation emit light with an energy and color that is determined by the size of the quantum dot. Darcy Wanger describes how the characteristics of atomic energy levels relate to the color of quantum dots, and how quantum dots may someday be used as markers in surgical procedures.

Darcy Wanger’s Personal Story 

Darcy Wanger describes her realization that science is not something “done—in the past tense” by people long ago, but rather an exciting pursuit that requires social interactions to solve current real-world questions.

Problems and Solutions

Problems for Lecture 4 (PDF)

Solutions for Lecture 4 (PDF)

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