Quantum Physics for Dummies®

Quantum Physics for Dummies®

Few branches of science are as exotic and challenging as quantum physics, which describes nature on the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. That’s why Quantum Physics for Dummies® is such a treat. This new guide in the popular “...for Dummies®” series gives you a complete overview of the subject, and comes packed with problem-solving techniques and fully explained examples.

Steven Holzner begins by explaining what quantum physics is and what it can do. By positing that energy is quantized—i.e., emitted and absorbed at discrete levels—a group of 20th-century physicists helped resolve a range of outstanding problems, from blackbody radiation to the photoelectric effect. Holzner also conveys the mathematics needed for the rest of the book.

The next section shows how quantum physics excels at predicting the energy levels of particles bound in various potentials. Here we learn to work with square wells, harmonic oscillators, and more. (When is a solid barrier not so solid? You’ll find out!) We next see how quantum physics lets us work in terms of the angular momentum of particles, as well as the spin of electrons. Many famous experiments—including the Stern-Gerlach experiment, in which beams of particles split in magnetic fields—are understandable only in terms of quantum physics, and you get all the details.

Having worked in one dimension so far, we next tackle three dimensions, which gives us a better picture of what happens in the real world. Importantly, we see how actual hydrogen atoms behave. (For example, we see how the Schrödinger equation can determine hydrogen’s energy levels; we can also calculate how far the electron is from the proton.) From there, we jump to multiple-particle systems, such as atoms and gases. We see how to handle many electrons in atoms, particle scattering, and more. The book ends with lists of “Ten Quantum Physics Tutorials” and “Ten Quantum Physics Triumphs.”

Quantum Physics for Dummies® belongs on the bookshelf of anyone interested in this mainstay of modern science.

Softcover: 336 pages

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ( February 03, 2009 )

Item #: 42-6675

ISBN: 9780470381885

Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 9.1 x 0.0 inches

Product Weight: 18.0 ounces