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Theoretical and Quantum Mechanics

Fundamentals for Chemists

  • Book
  • © 2006

Overview

Authors:
  1. Stefan Ivanov

    1. Sofia University, Bulgaria

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  • Provides the basics of theoretical and quantum mechanics in one place and emphasizes the continuity between them
  • Uniquely presented to be used for self-taught courses covering theoretical and quantum mechanics
  • Each chapter includes a detailed outline, a summary, self-assessment questions for which answers can be found in the text
  • Invaluable for chemistry undergraduate and graduate students, chemists, other non-physical scientists, engineering students of modern techniques and technology, specialists who need a better understanding of quantum mechanics

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Table of contents (19 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxiv
    Download chapter PDF

  2. Selected Topics of Theoretical Mechanics

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
      Download chapter PDF

    2. Lagrangian Function and Lagrange’s Equations

      Pages 3-30

    3. Conservation Laws

      Pages 31-44

    4. Central Conservative Forces

      Pages 45-74

    5. Rotating Motion of a Charged Particle

      Pages 75-90

    6. Small Harmonic Oscillations

      Pages 91-120

    7. Hamiltonian Mechanics

      Pages 121-145
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About this book

This book has emerged from an undergraduate course as well as a graduate one, which I have taught for a number of years. Recently, many universities have experimented by bringing quantum theory forward in the curriculum and we follow their example. This book is intended to serve as an introduction to theoretical mechanics and quantum mechanics for chemists. I have included those parts of quantum mechanics which are of greatest fundamental interest and utility, and have developed those parts of classical mechanics which relate to and illuminate them. I try to give a comprehensive treatment wherever possible. The book would acquaint chemists with the quantum structure of the basic object of chemistry, the atom. My intention is to bridge the gap between classical physics, general and inorganic chemistry, and quantum mechanics. For these reasons: 1. I present in one course the basics of theoretical mechanics and quantum mechanics, to emphasise the continuity between them; 2. I have chosen the topics of theoretical mechanics based upon two criteria: a) usefulness for chemical problems: two-body problem; rotational motion of a charged particles (free and in an atom); interaction of a magnetic field with a magnetic dipole; details of small oscillations and oscillations of molecules; b) the need for transition from classical to quantum mechanics: basics of Lagrangian mechanics; basics of Hamiltonian mechanics; 3. I give detailed explanation of an application of the quantum method to simple systems: one-dimensional potential, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, and hydrog- like atoms.

Reviews

"I like the approach followed very much. [...] He shows clearly that these more advanced and powerful methods can be straightforwardly applied to these problems. His transparant and elegant way of presentation will bring a deeper and more bountiful insight to the student in classical and quantum mechanics[...]"
(Steven Stolte, Department of Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit, The Netherlands)
"[...]I think it is a very useful book to have on my bookshelves, especially since it makes a clear connection between classical and quantum mechanics. [...]it is very useful for me and theoretically oriented chemists [...]I found the book very useful in preparing my lectures for my first-year quantum chemistry course as it gave me more insight into the connection between quantum and classical mechanics."
(Joop van Lenthe, Theoretical Chemistry Group, Utrecht University, The Netherlands)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Sofia University, Bulgaria

    Stefan Ivanov

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