Description
This is a book about quantum mechanics, which is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter and energy in the presence of an observer. It is a conceptual approach, which means that it uses mathematical and philosophical elements to present physical imagery that closely parallels the mathematics. The book starts with an overview of the premise and design for the study, and then proceeds with an examination of the classical quantum bead on a track. It goes on to discuss the bead's state and representations, its measurement spectra as operator eigenvalues, the harmonic oscillator, and the bead in a spherical shell. Other topics include spin, matrices, and the structure of quantum mechanics, the simplest atom, and stationary-state perturbation theory. The book is geared towards upper-level undergraduate students in physics.
What does quantum mechanics tell us about the key model physical systems of nature? The author of this highly regarded text explores this question in a conceptual manner, fusing mathematical and philosophical elements to present physical imagery that closely parallels the mathematics. Beginning with an overview that discusses the premise and design for the study, the text proceeds with an examination of the classical quantum bead on a track: its state and representations; its measurement spectra as operator eigenvalues; the harmonic oscillator: bound bead in a symmetric force field; and the bead in a spherical shell. Other topics include spin, matrices, and the structure of quantum mechanics; the simplest atom; indistinguishable particles; and stationary-state perturbation theory. This refreshing and instructive text is geared toward upper-level undergraduate students in physics. 1992 ed. 64 figures. Index.
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