Title
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics with Applications to Chemistry (Dover Books on Physics),Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
When this classic text was first published in 1935, it fulfilled the goal of its authors 'to produce a textbook of practical quantum mechanics for the chemist, the experimental physicist, and the beginning student of theoretical physics.' Although many who are teachers today once worked with the book as students, the text is still as valuable for the same undergraduate audience.Twotime Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling, Research Professor at the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, Palo Alto, California, and E. Bright Wilson, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Harvard University, provide a readily understandable study of 'wave mechanics,' discussing the Schrodinger wave equation and the problems which can be solved with it. Extensive knowledge of mathematics is not required, although the student must have a grasp of elementary mathematics through the calculus. Pauling and Wilson begin with a survey of classical mechanics, including Newton's equations of motion in the Lagrangian form, and then move on to the 'old' quantum theory, developed through the work of Planck, Einstein and Bohr. This analysis leads to the heart of the book an explanation of quantum mechanics which, as Schrodinger formulated it, 'involves the renunciation of the hope of describing in exact detail the behavior of a system.' Physics had created a new realm in which classical, Newtonian certainties were replaced by probabilities a change which Heisenberg's uncertainty principle (described in this book) subsequently reinforced.With clarity and precision, the authors guide the student from topic to topic, covering such subjects as the wave functions for the hydrogen atom, perturbation theory, the Pauli exclusion principle, the structure of simple and complex molecules, Van der Waals forces, and systems in thermodynamic equilibrium. To insure that the student can follow the mathematical derivations, Pauling and Wilson avoid the 'temptation to condense the various discussions into shorter and perhaps more elegant forms' appropriate for a more advanced audience. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics is a perfect vehicle for demonstrating the practical application of quantum mechanics to a broad spectrum of chemical and physical problems.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main focus of 'Introduction to Quantum Mechanics with Applications to Chemistry'? A: This book primarily focuses on providing a practical understanding of quantum mechanics for chemists, experimental physicists, and students of theoretical physics, emphasizing wave mechanics and the Schrodinger wave equation.
- Q: Who are the authors of this book? A: The authors are Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel Prize winner, and E. Bright Wilson, Jr., a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Harvard University.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on March 1, 1985.
- Q: Is prior knowledge of advanced mathematics required to understand this book? A: No, extensive knowledge of mathematics is not required; a basic understanding of elementary mathematics through calculus is sufficient.
- Q: What topics are covered in this textbook? A: Topics include wave functions for the hydrogen atom, perturbation theory, the Pauli exclusion principle, the structure of molecules, Van der Waals forces, and thermodynamic equilibrium.
- Q: What is the format and page count of the book? A: The book is available in paperback format and consists of 496 pages.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in quantum mechanics? A: Yes, it is designed for beginners, making complex topics accessible without assuming advanced knowledge.
- Q: Can this book be useful for students studying chemistry? A: Absolutely, it is tailored for chemistry students and provides practical applications of quantum mechanics relevant to chemical problems.
- Q: What is the significance of the authors' approach to teaching quantum mechanics in this book? A: The authors emphasize clarity and precision in their explanations, avoiding overly condensed discussions, which helps students follow mathematical derivations effectively.
- Q: Does this book include discussions on historical developments in quantum theory? A: Yes, it includes analyses of the old quantum theory and contributions from pioneers like Planck, Einstein, and Bohr.