Product Description

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics is an introduction to the power and elegance of quantum mechanics. Assuming little in the way of prior knowledge, quantum concepts are carefully and precisely presented, and explored through numerous applications and problems. Some of the more challenging aspects that are essential for a modern appreciation of the subject have been included, but are introduced and developed in the simplest way possible.

Undergraduates taking a first course on quantum mechanics will find this text an invaluable introduction to the field and help prepare them for more advanced courses.

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics:
∗ Starts from basics, reviewing relevant concepts of classical physics where needed.
∗ Motivates by considering weird behaviour of quantum particles.
∗ Presents mathematical arguments in their simplest form.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32192 in Books
• Published on: 2003-04-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 282 pages

Review
“This review has long felt that the current selection of books lack rigor and do not address thoroughly enough how quantum is fundamentally done; this one does a good job...recommended.” (Choice, Vol. 41, No. 5, January 2004)

Review
“This review has long felt that the current selection of books lack rigor and do not address thoroughly enough how quantum is fundamentally done; this one does a good job...recommended.” (Choice, Vol. 41, No. 5, January 2004)

From the Back Cover
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics is an introduction to the power and elegance of quantum mechanics. Assuming little in the way of prior knowledge, quantum concepts are carefully and precisely presented, and explored through numerous applications and problems. Some of the more challenging aspects that are essential for a modern appreciation of the subject have been included, but are introduced and developed in the simplest way possible.

Undergraduates taking a first course on quantum mechanics will find this text an invaluable introduction to the field and help prepare them for more advanced courses.

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics:

• Starts from basics, reviewing relevant concepts of classical physics where needed.
• Motivates by considering weird behaviour of quantum particles.
• Presents mathematical arguments in their simplest form.

Customer Reviews

if this type of physics is new to you, nice introduction
Introduction

The book (i.m.h.o) is an impressive introduction to a topic that covers many vital physical processes, such as controlling the suns ability to shine, lasers etc.

In brief

Also the way the `traditional' wave / particle duality is refreshing explained early on, but with much of the complexity held back till a later date. The book is helpful in the way the author develops features of the well-known `Uncertainty Principle' (Momentum and position) throughout the book, and why expectation values can be useful.

Also outlined in differing ways is the fundamental importance of `bounded' and `unbounded' energy states, which is then gloriously slip-streamed into an exploration of the relevance of harmonic / quantum oscillators. Then by using principles of the Schrödinger equation of increasing mathematical sophistication (for example expectation, eigenvector & Fourier principles) to zip all the concepts together.


(i.m.h.o) Helpful Background

If you have any background in 'Classical (Newtonian) Mechanics', 'Electromagnetism', `Vector Calculus', 'Eigenvectors', 'Fourier Analysis', basic `Thermodynamics' both text and the math concepts may be rapidly understood, but with enough new topics to keep you challenged and interested.

Summary

The quality of the writing is designed to encourage and stimulate the undergraduate student encountering these topics for the first time. The way it's used your not left boxed-in with topics, the way they flow is quite impressive. There may be (i.m.h.o) two ways to tackle this book. One way is to read the text of the book and leave the mathematical explanations till a later date. The second is to read and attempt the math together.

But this is just one of books you may need to satisfy your understanding and knowledge.