Molecular Spectroscopy [Paperback]

Jeanne L. McHale (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0132290634 | ISBN-13: 978-0132290630 | Publication Date: May 11, 1998 | Edition: 1st

This rigorous and engaging book presents the basic theories underlying spectroscopy while incorporating modern viewpoints of practical utility in spectroscopy research. Written in a clear, jargon-free style, it covers the quantum mechanical theoretical basis of spectroscopy, modern innovations in spectroscopy theory, such as time-dependent theory, and practical applications of spectroscopy research, including the influence of condensed phases.Begins with a brief review of quantum mechanical principles, then moves on to such areas as the properties of light, bulk electric and magnetic properties of matter, fundamental theories of spectroscopic techniques, experimental arrangements, and finally applications of the electromagnetic spectrum. Studies the time-dependent theoretical approach to interpret frequency domain spectra, allowing readers to focus on the dynamic response of the system. Provides consistent and reasonable notation throughout, frequently uses thought experiments to help readers visualize a physical situation. and poses probing questions in order to stimulate independent thinking and prompt readers to consider potentially paradoxical predictions of theory.For spectroscopists, laser technicians, analytical and physical chemists, and physicists.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This rigorous and engaging book presents the basic theories underlying spectroscopy while incorporating modern viewpoints of practical utility in spectroscopy research. Written in a clear, jargon-free style, it covers the quantum mechanical theoretical basis of spectroscopy, modern innovations in spectroscopy theory, such as time-dependent theory, and practical applications of spectroscopy research, including the influence of condensed phases.Begins with a brief review of quantum mechanical principles, then moves on to such areas as the properties of light, bulk electric and magnetic properties of matter, fundamental theories of spectroscopic techniques, experimental arrangements, and finally applications of the electromagnetic spectrum. Studies the time-dependent theoretical approach to interpret frequency domain spectra, allowing readers to focus on the dynamic response of the system. Provides consistent and reasonable notation throughout, frequently uses thought experiments to help readers visualize a physical situation. and poses probing questions in order to stimulate independent thinking and prompt readers to consider potentially paradoxical predictions of theory.For spectroscopists, laser technicians, analytical and physical chemists, and physicists.

Product Details

• Paperback: 463 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1st edition (May 11, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0132290634
• ISBN-13: 978-0132290630
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #576,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #17 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Chemistry > Molecular Chemistry

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent, well-written textbook., December 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Molecular Spectroscopy (Paperback)

One of the few textbooks I have encountered which I consider well written from a both a scientific and a stylistic perspective. Jeanne McHale provides the clearest, most coherent presentation of the book's topic that I have seen. If the reader is encountering the material for the first time, I'd suggest using this book in conjunction with another, as there are details which are skimmed over here in the interest of presenting a cohesive development. But for a clear picture of the field, I don't know a better place to turn!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This book is worthless, February 23, 2006

By 

Phillip R. Smith (Palo Alto, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Molecular Spectroscopy (Paperback)

I used this text in my graduate-level spectroscopy class and my opinion is that it is completely worthless! It is unreadable and frustratingly lacking in examples and instructive ability. Stay away - you are better off using Harris and Bertolucci.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Just a rewrite of Herzberg...., December 20, 2005

By 

Stokes Shift "Stokes" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Molecular Spectroscopy (Paperback)

First impression of this book was good, but after closer inspection, I feel like Dr. McHale just gleaned what she felt was important from Herzberg and slapped it in her own book. It is heavily math based with a significant lack of phenomenological descriptions and big picture items, therefore making the content even more difficult to follow. In multiple cases, concepts were briefly mentioned, but not enough information is given in the text to really understand what she was talking about (satellite transitions/lines for example). Another very bothering issue is the problems at the end of the chapter. The problems are not on the same level of difficulty at the text, making many of them nearly impossible to solve without further explaination which is not contained in the text book. If you are in the market for a low level Spectroscopy book, consider Bernath's, or better yet, just get Herzberg's books, which are the seminal books on this very beautiful portion of Physics and Chemistry.