An Introduction to Quantum Physics

by Anthony P. French, Edwin F. Taylor

Quantum physics concerns the behavior of the smallest things we know. These smallest things are very small indeed. Although the world of the very small is remote from our senses, it shapes everyday experience. Almost everything we touch and see (together with nerve impulses and light, the messengers of touch and sight) owes its character to the subtle architecture of atoms and molecules, an architecture whose building code is quantum mechanics. And when we come to large-scale phenomena that depends in a direct way on the details of atomic processes-for example lasers, superconductors, and solid-state electronics-then the explicit use of quantum physics is essential.

Genres: Physics, Reference, Science, Textbooks, Electrical Engineering, Nonfiction

696 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1978

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Focuses heavily on the Schrodinger Equation but don't let that make you think it's gonna be easy; the hydrogen atom is covered in great detail and that's where I first met the amazingly versatile method called Perturbation Theory, which can be found in classical mechanics, plasma physics, every formulation of quantum mechanics, General Relativity and even String Theory, besides a zillion others I've never come across, no doubt.

There's considerable merit to focusing initially on the Schrodinger Equation; students are invariably familiar with wave equations and therefore can focus on the conceptual peculiarities of quantum mechanics without the distracting confusion of the more abstract and alien formalisms.

[David Olmsted · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was my introduction to quantum physics back in the late 1970s and while many introductory books do not hold up well over the years as one learns more about the subject this one holds up well. I am glad to see it is still being used.

[Aa]

jj

[Tue Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps something a bit more modern might be of greater value to the student. This could still work as an introductory or intermediate-level text on quantum mechanics, however.