Quantum Mechanics

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Quantum mechanics and its applications are a vibrant, central part of today’s research in both experimental and theoretical physics. Designed for the one-semester course, Quantum Mechanics expertly guides students through rigorous course material, providing comprehensive explanations, accessible examples, and intuitive equations. This text’s in-depth coverage of essential topics, such as the harmonic oscillator, barrier penetration, and hydrogen atoms, skillfully bridges the gap between sophomore introductory texts and lower-level graduate treatments. Students will find that this user-friendly text, with numerous examples and applications, sets a solid foundation for future courses in quantum mechanics. Key Features Covers the basics of time-independent one- and three-dimensional quantum mechanics (Schrödinger’s equation, potential wells, barrier penetration, the harmonic oscillator, separation of variables, degeneracy, etc.) in a package that can be covered in one semester. Each chapter begins with an introduction that summarizes key points, discussing how new material builds upon topics presented in previous chapters, how its topics fit into the larger picture of quantum mechanics, and why the topic is considered important in that larger picture. Key points are summarized at the end of each chapter, and numerous end-of-chapter problems allow students to test themselves on what they have learned. Emphasizes working through the derivation of classical problems to help students understand the conceptual content of quantum mechanics and develop the analytic skills necessary to apply it. Contains references to popular articles appearing in Physics Today, giving students exposure to up-to-the-minute work in quantum mechanics. About The Author B. Cameron Reed, PhD - Alma College B. Cameron Reed earned his PhD in Physics at University of Waterloo (Canada). His main research area is galactic structures, but he also has great interest in quantum and nuclear physics, and the history of the Manhattan Project. Reed has published more than 80 papers in physics and astronomy journals. He is currently living in Michigan and is a professor at Alma College. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Foundations Chapter 2: Schrodinger’s Equation Chapter 3: Solutions of Schrödinger’s Equation in One Dimension Chapter 4: Operators, Expectation Values, and the Uncertainty Principle Chapter 5: The Harmonic Oscillator Chapter 6: Schrodinger Equation in Three Dimensions and an Introduction to the Quantum Theory of Angular Momentum Chapter 7: Central Potentials Chapter 8: Further Developments with Angular Momentum and Multi-Particle Systems Chapter 9: Approximation Methods Chapter 10: Numerical Solutions of the Schrodinger Equation Chapter 11: A Sampling of Results from Time-Dependent Quantum Mechanics: Transition Rates and Probabilities