Description
Book SynopsisQuantum mechanics - central not only to physics, but also to chemistry, materials science, and other fields - is notoriously abstract and difficult. Essential Quantum Mechanics is a uniquely concise and explanatory book that fills the gap between introductory and advanced courses, between popularizations and technical treatises.By focusing on the fundamental structure, concepts, and methods of quantum mechanics, this introductory yet sophisticated work emphasizes both physical and mathematical understanding. A modern perspective is adopted throughout - the goal, in part, being to gain entry into the world of ''real'' quantum mechanics, as used by practicing scientists.With over 60 original problems, Essential Quantum Mechanics is suitable as either a text or a reference. It will be invaluable to physics students as well as chemists, electrical engineers, philosophers, and others whose work is impacted by quantum mechanics, or who simply wish to better understand this fascinating subjec
Trade ReviewVery well written, clear and to the point, and just at the right level to fill the regrettable gap between the maths-free popular books on quantum mechanics and the full courses in most textbooks. * Jeremy Butterfield, University of Cambridge *
This book should be useful for undergraduate and graduate students in quantum mechanics, mathematics, materials science and Chemistry. * CERN Courier, June 2008. *
If you teach quantum mechanics, you should read this book. If you are studying quantum mechanics, you should read this book. If you are vaguely interested in quantum mechanics, you should read this book. Everyone should read this book. Why? Because in this book you will find the fundamentals and the structure of quantum mechanics explained directly and clearly, with you in mind, without the naive tone of those common popularizations centered on the weirdness of the quantum [...] I wish I had had this little book (200 pages!) when I started studying quantum mechanics. [...] I find this book suitable as an uncluttered textbook for an Introduction to quantum mechanics undergraduate course in physics and engineering. * David J. Santos, Mathematical Reviews *
Table of Contents1. Introduction: Three Worlds ; 2. The Quantum Postulates ; 3. What is a Quantum State? ; 4. The Structure of Quantum States ; 5. Operators ; 6. Matrix Mechanics ; 7. Commutators and Uncertainty Relations ; 8. Angular Momentum ; 9. The Time-independent Schrodinger Equation ; 10. Why is the State Complex? ; 11. Time Evolution ; 12. Wavefunctions ; Appendices
