Principles of Quantum Mechanics: As Applied to Chemistry and Chemical Physics
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 3/9/2009
EAN 9780521658416, ISBN10: 0521658411
Paperback, 364 pages, 24.6 x 18.8 x 2 cm
Language: English
This text presents a rigorous mathematical account of the principles of quantum mechanics, in particular as applied to chemistry and chemical physics. Applications are used as illustrations of the basic theory. The first two chapters serve as an introduction to quantum theory, although it is assumed that the reader has been exposed to elementary quantum mechanics as part of an undergraduate physical chemistry or atomic physics course. Following a discussion of wave motion leading to Schrödinger's wave mechanics, the postulates of quantum mechanics are presented along with essential mathematical concepts and techniques. The postulates are rigorously applied to the harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, the variation method, perturbation theory, and nuclear motion. Modern theoretical concepts such as hermitian operators, Hilbert space, Dirac notation, and ladder operators are introduced and used throughout. This text is appropriate for beginning graduate students in chemistry, chemical physics, molecular physics and materials science.
1. The wave function
2. Schrödinger wave mechanics
3. General principles of quantum theory
4. Harmonic oscillator
5. Angular momentum
6. Hydrogen atom
7. Spin
8. Systems of identical particles
9. Approximation methods
10. Molecular structure
Appendix A. Mathematical formulas
Appendix B. Fourier series and Fourier integral
Appendix C. Dirac delta function
Appendix D. Mermite polynomials
Appendix E. Legendre and associated Legendre polynomials
Appendix F. Laguerre and associated Laguerre polnomials
Appendix G Series solutions of differential equations
Appendix H. Recurrence relation for hydrogen-atom expectation values
Appendix I. Matrices
Appendix J. Evaluation of two-electron interaction integral.
'What makes the text stand out from the crowd? First, the firmly positioned development of wave mechanics based on a thorough discussion of wave packets in the first chapter. Second, I would identify the rigour and completeness with which the generally standard and conventional problems are presented ... Instructors who favour rigour and completeness could well find this text attractive for their courses.' The Times Higher Education Supplement