
Contents (each chapter ends with References for Further Study & Problems): Introduction [Scope of Quantum Physics; Atoms & Elementary Particles; Limits of Applicability of Classical Theory; Discovery of Planck's Constant; Photoelectric Effect; Problem of the Stability & Size of Atoms]; Magnitudes of Physical Quantities in Quantum Physics [Units & Physical Constant; Energy; Magnitudes Characteristic of Atomic & Molecular Physics; Most Basic Facts of Nuclear Physics; Gravitational & Electromagnetic Forces; Concerning Numerical Work; Advanced Topic: Fundamental Constants of Nature]; Energy Levels [Term Schemes; Finite Widths; Further Discussion of Levels & Term Schemes; Doppler & Collision Broadening of Spectral Lines; Advanced: On the Theory of Electromagnetic Transitions]; Photons [Photon as a Particle; Compton Effect: Bremsstrahlung; Pair Creation & Annihilation; Can Photons Be Split]; Material Particles [De Broglie Waves; Theory of Diffraction in a Periodic Structure; There Is But One Planck's Constant; Can Matter Waves Be Split; Wave Equation & Superposition Principle; Advanced: Vector Space of Physical States]; Uncertainty Principle & Theory of Measurements [Heisenberg's Uncertainty Relations; Measurements & Statistical Ensembles; Amplitudes & Intensities; Can the Outcome of Every Measurement Be Predictable in Principle; Polarized & Unpolarized Light]; Wave Mechanics of Schrödinger [Schrödinger's Non-Relativistic Wave Equation; Some Simple Barrier Problems; Theory of Alpha-Radioactivity; Advanced: Normalization of the Wave Function]; Theory of Stationary States [Quantization as an Eigenvalue Problem; Harmonic Oscillator. Vibrational & Rotational Excitations of Molecules; Hydrogen-like Systems; Advanced: Position & Momentum Variables in the Schrödinger Theory]; Elementary Particles & their Interactions [Collision Processes & Wave Picture; What Is Meant by a Particle; Basic Ideas of Quantum Field Theory; Pions & Nuclear Forces]; Appendix; Index
This text investigates the fundamental principles of quantum physics and their application to atomic, molecular, and nuclear phenomena. Eyvind H. Wichmann, a physicist associated with the Berkeley Physics Course, provides a rigorous framework for understanding the transition from classical to quantum theory. The book utilizes mathematical derivations and physical reasoning to establish the necessity of quantum mechanics in explaining the stability and behavior of matter at the microscopic scale.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Experts and educators frequently cite this volume as a foundational text for undergraduate physics students due to its clear logical progression and emphasis on physical intuition. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which requires a solid background in calculus and classical mechanics to fully comprehend the material.
Page Count:
423
Publication Date:
1971-06-01
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill College
ISBN-10:
0070048614
ISBN-13:
9780070048614
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