Essential Quantum Physics [Paperback]

Peter V. Landshoff (Author), Allen Metherell (Author), W. Gareth Rees (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 13, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0521629934 | ISBN-13: 978-0521629935 | Edition: 2

This is a first course on quantum mechanics and describes simple applications to physical phenomena that are of immediate and everyday interest. The first five chapters introduce the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and are followed by a quiz so readers can test themselves. The remaining chapters describe applications, including the physics of lasers, molecular binding, simple properties of crystalline solids arising from their band structure, and the operation of junction transistors. This new expanded edition now includes a chapter on the theory of spin and its application to magnetic resonance imaging, as well as a description of the WKB approximation and its application to alpha decay. Ideal either as a course text or a self-study text, the book contains nearly 100 exercises and hints to their solution.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

A first course on quantum mechanics describing simple applications to physical phenomena that are of immediate and everyday interest such as transistors, lasers, molecular binding, magnetic resonance imaging and alpha decay. The first five chapters introduce fundamentals and are followed by a revision quiz with which readers may test their understanding. The remaining chapters describe applications. Ideal either as a course text or a self-study text, the book contains nearly 100 exercises and hints to their solution. It will be valuable for undergraduate students at 2nd or 3rd year in physics, electronic engineering, mathematics, chemistry.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (January 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521629934
• ISBN-13: 978-0521629935
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,813,293 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars an easy introduction, March 17, 2001

By 

Muzaffer Muctehitzade "hacibey" (Boston, Ma USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Essential Quantum Physics (Paperback)

As the editorial says it is a first course introduction to Quantum Physics book. It is not a narrative book about Quantum Physics, it has Mathematical formulas and problems as well as some practical applications yet you do not need to know more than a good calculus to understand what is goung on. It starts with Schrodinger's equation and shows few applications and solutions and than Quantum Physical practical applications such as lasers etc. Although it is relatively easy to follow the book, a lot of logical steps and physical foundations of Quantum Physics are introduces as set of postulates without any hint of reasons for it. Unless you know those things from other sources it is not easy to catch those that authors have between the lines. I recommend it as an easy work book but not necessairly the one that takes you from Classical Physics and leads into Quantum Physics. The book fails to show the short comings of the Classical Physics and efforts of Quantum Physics to respond to problems. Suddenly we have the Schrodinger's equations and solves all your problems just like that.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great review of Quantum Physics, March 21, 2009

By 

davedude (Salt Lake City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essential Quantum Physics (Paperback)

This book helped to refresh my memory of Quantum Physics. It lays down the basic formulas and what they mean in order to give a general idea of what is essential to Quantum Physics. Although this is not a stand alone guide for someone just learning the material, it will help you pick out that which is most important in your studies.

6 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best book of the elemental quantum physics ., January 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Essential Quantum Physics (Paperback)

It is very concise, easy reading and clear. It is valuable for any student just touching the quantum physics