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University of Colorado Boulder
Theory of Angular Momentum
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  2. Physical Science and Engineering
  3. Electrical Engineering
University of Colorado Boulder

Theory of Angular Momentum

This course is part of Quantum Mechanics for Engineers Specialization

Wounjhang Park

Instructor: Wounjhang Park

5,998 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

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3 modules
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.0

(20 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Recommended experience

Intermediate level

Undergraduate-level calculus, differential equations and linear algebra

Flexible schedule
1 week at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
Learn more

3 modules
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.0

(20 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Recommended experience

Intermediate level

Undergraduate-level calculus, differential equations and linear algebra

Flexible schedule
1 week at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
Learn more
  • About
  • Outcomes
  • Modules
  • Recommendations
  • Testimonials
  • Reviews

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.

Skills you'll gain

  • Physics
  • Linear Algebra
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Mathematical Modeling

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

3 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

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.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5611, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

This course introduces the quantum mechanical concept of angular momentum operator and its relationship with rotation operator. It then presents the angular momentum operators, their eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Finally, it covers the theory of angular momentum addition. At the end of this course learners will be able to: 1. describe and analyze angular momentum states using quantum mechanically defined angular momentum operators, 2. solve angular momentum eigenvalue equations and 3. add angular momenta quantum mechanically.

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 assignment2 discussion prompts

5 videos•Total 55 minutes
  • Course Introduction•2 minutes•Preview module
  • Orbital Angular Momentum 1•9 minutes
  • Orbital Angular Momentum 2•10 minutes
  • Hydrogen Atom 1•12 minutes
  • Hydrogen Atom 2•20 minutes
4 readings•Total 31 minutes
  • Suggested textbooks•10 minutes
  • Module Topics•1 minute
  • Physical Constants•10 minutes
  • Entering Math Expressions•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 120 minutes
  • Homework #1•120 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 20 minutes
  • Introduce Yourself•10 minutes
  • Spherical Harmonics•10 minutes

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 assignment1 discussion prompt

4 videos•Total 57 minutes
  • Rotation Operator•17 minutes•Preview module
  • Properties of Rotation Operator•11 minutes
  • Rotation of Spin 1/2 System•15 minutes
  • Spinor•13 minutes
3 readings•Total 21 minutes
  • Module Topics•1 minute
  • Physical Constants•10 minutes
  • Entering Math Expressions•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 120 minutes
  • Homework #2•120 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
  • Rotation of Spin State•10 minutes

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 assignment1 peer review

6 videos•Total 111 minutes
  • General Definition of Angular Momentum•15 minutes•Preview module
  • Rotation Matrices•20 minutes
  • Matrix Representation of Angular Momentum Operators•14 minutes
  • Orbital Angular Momentum Revisited•22 minutes
  • Addition of Angular Momentum•21 minutes
  • General Theory of Angular Momentum Addition•16 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
  • Module Topics•10 minutes
  • Physical Constants•10 minutes
  • Entering Math Expressions•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 120 minutes
  • Homework #3•120 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
  • Angular Momentum Addition•60 minutes

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Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

 

Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

U

University of Colorado Boulder

Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree · 2 years

¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.

Instructor

Instructor ratings

Instructor ratings

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3.8 (5 ratings)
Wounjhang Park
Wounjhang Park
University of Colorado Boulder
6 Courses•57,299 learners

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

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.

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