Customer Reviews

Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy (2nd Edition)

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First, I should add that quantum chemistry is difficult for anyone to understand. By default, quantum chemistry is supposed to not make sense. That being said, this textbook could still have been much better.

The textbook does not explain any subject in any great detail. The bare minimum is said, and then the student is expected to work out the questions at the end of the chapter. Usually, in quantum chemistry, the questions can be solved without really understanding the concepts, which is not the case in many other subjects, since problems usually involve only mathematical manipulations of wave functions, etc. Questions, therefore, are usually not the problem. I am still trying to find a textbook that can help me ground the concepts in my head.

Engel's "Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy" is not the worst p-chem book I've looked through. Given the choice however (meaning if my professor did not require the text), I would likely have opted to use a more thorough text. Engel has created a great reference, with enough information to suffice on the go. If however you are trying to use this book as your primary source of literature, in an effort to gain a thorough understanding, be cautious. Throughout the text a number of assumptions are made, rather than simply reiterating previous formulations or blatantly stating the point trying to be made. Unless the reader is absolutely cognitive and has mastered all previous information, this is at times detrimental. The section on spectroscopy is actually quite useful (better than most other texts I referenced) and the math supplement in the appendix is very convenient. I suppose my professor chose this text for the very reason I stated earlier, to be used as a side reference, a supplement to never-ending in-class exercises (i.e. packets) that theoretically should have helped develop the fundamental concepts. Needless to say- I was forced to read another text from time to time for clarification.

This textbook is ridiculous. It goes into too great of detail in a subject that is innately very difficult to understand, and does this while being amazingly vague. The example problems (the few there are) are barely relevant to what is covered, leaving students to struggle through homework questions, which are in turn overtly demanding. The subject, which is quite fascinating is made frustrating and dull, the material hardly understandable. Any institution utilizing this text should very well examine their priorities in teaching this subject or supplement heavily.

Book arrived in excellent condition. I found the explanations of this book to be a little muddled at times, but it is tough to find a good quantum book. Quick shipping too! Very smooth transaction, would definitely buy from in the future.

This quantum "chemistry" textbook is such a joke. I would recommend David Griffth's "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" for undergrad. quantum course.