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Quantum Mechanics: An Accessible Introduction
Robert Scherrer

ISBN-10: 0805387161
ISBN-13:  9780805387162

Publisher:  Addison-Wesley
Copyright:  2006
Format:  Paper; 500 pp
Published:  08/15/2005
Status: Instock


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Description

Robert Scherrer's text provides a uniquely accessible and thorough introduction to quantum mechanics for undergraduates. It is designed from the ground up to address the changing needs of today’s students taking this important and challenging course. Scherrer carefully develops a solid foundation by recapping on the required math and other basic concepts before developing all the major more advanced topics. The introductory chapters introduce the experimental evidence that historically motivated the development of quantum mechanics and explain why this topic is so central to today’s science and technology. Every section starts with an intuitive explanation of quantum phenomenon, which provides a clear physical motivation for the discussion that follows. Unique Math Interlude chapters throughout the book ensure that the student has all the required mathematical skills required to master quantum mechanics. In-text worked examples provide more detailed derivations and solutions than any other book.


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. The Origins of Quantum Mechanics

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Blackbody Radiation

The Problem with Blackbody Radiation

1.3 The Nature of Light

The Photoelectric Effect

The Compton Effect

Is it a Particle or a Wave?

1.4 TheWave Nature of Matter

1.5 The Bohr Atom

1.6 Where do we Stand?

2. Math Interlude A: Complex Numbers and Linear Operators

2.1 Complex Numbers

2.2 Operators

Definition of an Operator

Eigenfunctions and Eigenvalues

3. The Schrödinger Equation

3.1 Derivation of the Schrödinger Equation

3.2 The Meaning of theWave Function

3.3 The Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation

Derivation of the Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation

Qualitative Solutions and the Origin of Quantization

4. One-Dimensional Time-Independent

Schrödinger Equation

4.1 Unbound States: Scattering and Tunneling

Scattering From Step-Function Potentials

4.2 Bound Systems

The Infinite SquareWell

The Harmonic Oscillator Potential

5. Math Interlude B: Linear Algebra

5.1 Properties of Linear Operators

5.2 Vector Spaces

Inner Products

Adjoint and Hermitian Operators

Basis Sets

6. The Three-Dimensional Time-Independent

Schrödinger Equation

6.1 Solution in Rectangular Coordinates

6.2 Angular Momentum

6.3 The Schrödinger Equation in Spherical Coordinates

6.4 The Hydrogen Atom

7. Math Interlude C: Matrices, Dirac Notation, and the Dirac Delta Function

7.1 The Matrix Formulation of Linear Operators

7.2 Dirac Notation

7.3 The Dirac Delta Function

8. Spin Angular Momentum

8.1 Spin Operators

8.2 Evidence for Spin

8.3 Adding Angular Momentum

8.4 The Matrix Representation of Spin

8.5 The Stern–Gerlach Experiment

8.6 Spin Precession

8.7 Spin Systems with Two Particles

Noninteracting Spins

Interacting Spins

8.8 Measurement Theory

Hidden Variables

The ManyWorlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

9. Time-Independent Perturbation Theory

9.1 Derivation of Time-Independent Perturbation Theory

9.2 Perturbations to the Atomic Energy Levels

Fine Structure

The Lamb Shift

9.3 The Atom in External Electric or Magnetic Fields

The Atom in an Electric Field: The Stark Effect

The Atom in a Magnetic Field: The Zeeman Effect

10. The Variational Principle

10.1 Variational Principle: Theory

10.2 Variational Principle: Application to the Helium Atom

11. Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory

11.1 Derivation of Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory

11.2 Application: Selection Rules for Electromagnetic Radiation

12. Scattering Theory

12.1 Definition of the Cross Section

12.2 The Born Approximation

12.3 PartialWaves

13. The Multiparticle Schrödinger Equation

13.1 Wave Function for Identical Particles

13.2 Multielectron Atoms

14. Some Modern Applications of Quantum Mechanics

14.1 Magnetic Resonance Imaging

14.2 Quantum Computing

15. What Comes Next? Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

15.1 The Klein–Gordon Equation

Derivation of the Klein–Gordon Equation

Probability Densities and Currents

15.2 The Dirac Equation

Answers and Hints for Selected End-of-Chapter Exercises

Index

 



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Author Bios

Robert Scherrer is Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Vanderbilt University, where he arrived in 2003 following 15 years as a professor of physics at Ohio State University.  He received is A.B. in physics from Princeton University, spent two years at Cambridge University on a Marshall Scholarship, and then received his Ph.D. in physics at the University of Chicago.  While a professor at Ohio State, Scherrer received the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching.  His teaching philosophy follows the advice of Hippocrates:  “First, do no harm.”  He believes that most physics students come to study physics because they find it interesting, and it is the teacher’s job to maintain that interest while navigating the sometimes-difficult subject matter.

 

Scherrer’s own research is in the area of theoretical cosmology, including the physics of the early universe, dark matter and dark energy, and the large-scale structure of the universe.  He lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife and five children.

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Companion Website for Quantum Mechanics: An Accessible Introduction
Scherrer
©2006  |  Addison-Wesley  |  On-line Supplement  |  Live
ISBN-10: 0805382798  |  ISBN-13: 9780805382792
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Instructor Solutions Manual for Quantum Mechanics: An Accessible Introduction
Scherrer
©2006  |  Addison-Wesley  |  Paper; 300 pp  |  Instock
ISBN-10: 0805338608  |  ISBN-13: 9780805338607

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Companion Website for Quantum Mechanics: An Accessible Introduction
Scherrer
©2006  |  Addison-Wesley  |  On-line Supplement  |  Live
ISBN-10: 0805382798  |  ISBN-13: 9780805382792
More Info

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Websites and online courses

Companion Website for Quantum Mechanics: An Accessible Introduction
Scherrer
©2006  |  Addison-Wesley  |  On-line Supplement  |  Live
ISBN-10: 0805382798  |  ISBN-13: 9780805382792
More Info


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Astronomy Media Workbook (Download only with SkyGazer 5.0), 7/E
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©2012  |  Addison-Wesley  |  On-line Supplement  |  Live
ISBN-10: 0321741242  |  ISBN-13: 9780321741240

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Companion Website for Quantum Mechanics: An Accessible Introduction
Scherrer
©2006  |  Addison-Wesley  |  On-line Supplement  |  Live
ISBN-10: 0805382798  |  ISBN-13: 9780805382792
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Package ISBN-10: 0321624475 | ISBN-13: 9780321624475
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