Quantum Mechanics: A Conceptual Approach - Paperback

by Hendrik F. Hameka (Author)

A unique introductory text on quantum mechanics, from basic principles to historical perspective.
* Includes description of the historical developments that led to the discovery of QM, often left out of other textbooks.
* Emphasizes basic concepts that were essential in this discovery, placing them in context and making them more understandable to students.
* Written in an easy-to-understand style and assuming no prior knowledge of the topic, this book provides a solid foundation for future study of quantum chemistry.
* Includes problem sets for student use.

Front Jacket

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 Schrödinger 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.

Back Jacket

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 Schrödinger 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.

Author Biography

HENDRIK F. HAMEKA is Professor of Theoretical Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. Originally trained as a theoretical physicist, he studied quantum mechanics under H. A. Kramers (who in turn had studied under Niels Bohr). This study sparked his interest in chemical applications of quantum mechanics, which subsequently became his principal research specialty. He has written four previous textbooks on this subject, the last of which was published by Wiley.