GATE Physics Syllabus: Atomic and Molecular Physics1. Atomic Physics:- Structure of atoms: Bohr's theory and its limitations, quantum mechanical model of atom, Schrödinger equation, quantum numbers, atomic orbitals and their shapes, Pauli's exclusion principle, Hund's rule, Aufbau principle.
- Atomic spectra: Line spectra of hydrogen atom, Balmer series, Lyman series, Paschen series, Brackett series, Pfund series, ionization energy and excitation energy, Rydberg constant.
- X-ray production and properties: Characteristic and continuous X-rays, X-ray production by electron bombardment, X-ray spectra, Moseley's law.
- X-ray diffraction: Bragg's law, Laue's method, crystal structure determination using X-ray diffraction.
- Atomic models: Thomson's model, Rutherford's model, Bohr's model, Sommerfeld's model, de Broglie's model, wave-particle duality, Davisson-Germer experiment.
- Nuclear structure: Composition of nucleus, atomic mass unit, isotopes, isobars, isotones, nuclear forces, binding energy, mass defect, radioactivity, types of radioactive decay, decay constant, half-life, mean life, decay series, carbon dating.
- Nuclear reactions: Fission and fusion reactions, energy production in stars, nuclear reactors.
- Elementary particles and their properties: Classification of elementary particles, quarks, leptons, gauge bosons, Higgs boson.
2. Molecular Physics:- Molecular structure: Shapes of molecules, VSEPR theory, hybridization, molecular orbital theory, bonding and antibonding orbitals, bond order, bond length, bond energy, bond polarity, dipole moment.
- Rotational and vibrational spectroscopy: Rigid rotator, rotational energy levels, selection rules, microwave spectroscopy, pure rotational spectra, diatomic and polyatomic molecules, vibrational energy levels, selection rules, infrared spectroscopy, vibrational-rotational spectra.
- Electronic spectroscopy: Franck-Condon principle, electronic energy levels, electronic transitions, Jablonski diagram, fluorescence and phosphorescence, Raman effect.
- Laser: Spontaneous emission, stimulated emission, population inversion, Einstein coefficients, types of lasers, characteristics of laser light, applications of laser.
3. Previous Year Questions:- Solve previous year GATE Physics questions related to atomic and molecular physics.
- Understand the pattern and types of questions asked in the exam.
- Analyze your weak areas and work on improving them.
Note: The syllabus provided here is not exhaustive and may be subject to change. It is advisable to refer to the official GATE website for the latest and complete syllabus.
This course is helpful for the following exams: GATE Physics