E-Book Overview
A unique introductory text on quantum mechanics
Albert Einstein famously expressed his dismay at the implications of quantum mechanics (QM) when he protested, "God does not play dice with the universe." Theology aside, QM theory has held up as a scientific explanation of matter and radiation at the atomic level. Along with Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, QM comprises the backbone of modern physics and plays a majo role in our understanding of chemistry.
Quantum Mechanics: A Conceptual Approach offers students an easy-to-understand introduction to this essential field. Assuming no prior knowledge on the part of its reader, this text emphasizes the basic concepts that provide a solid foundation for the future study of quantum chemistry. Beginning with a description of the historical developments that led to the discovery of QM, a feature often neglected in other texts, Quantum Mechanics moves on to cover:
- Mathematics of QM Applications
- Classical mechanics
- The hydrogen atom
- Wave mechanics of a free particle
- Atomic structure
- The Schr?dinger equation
- Molecular structure
Written in a student-friendly style by experienced author and professor Hendrik Hameka, this text also includes problem sets to reinforce the concepts outlined. Both comprehensive and accessible, Quantum Mechanics: A Conceptual Approach provides all those interested in the field with an invaluable introduction to this important topic.
E-Book Content
QUANTUM MECHANICS
QUANTUM MECHANICS A Conceptual Approach
HENDRIK F. HAMEKA
A John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Publication
Copyright # 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. Published simultaneously in Canada. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval sy