-Make a chart that has the wave-like and particle-like equations (two columns) for electrons and light (two rows)
-Describe to a friend (or yourself outloud) how the photoelectric effect works and what the results signify.
-Go through the math of Schrodinger's equation for a free electron. Make sure you understand (and can do on your own) example 3.3
-Study the transformation of equations 3.12-3.14. Be sure you understand the math involved.
-Rearrange the needed equations to confirm that p=h(bar)k. What are the units of those variables?
-Why can n only be integer values? Why can't n be 0?
-Why if k is quantized, the energy of the electron is quantized?
-What is the ground state of an electron?
-How does the energy of free and confined electrons compare?
-Review example 3.6 to verify that the restriction of an electron in a box applies to a larger scale (apple in a crate) but the effect is negligible.
-Compare the equations in this section with 3.3. Make sure you understand the variations 3-D adds.
-Explain the statement "The lowest energy of the electron is obviously equal to E111, not zero."
-What does degeneracy mean?
-Review example 3.12. Try to re-do the calculations for another energy state, say E321.
Important terms you should know
-potential well
-quantized, quantum number
-ground state
-electron in a box
-degenerate
Go to the textbook website and check out these solved problems (in the "Solved Problems" section.