Introduction to Symmetry and Group Theory for Chemists - Hardcover

Lesk, Arthur M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 140202150X ISBN 13: 9781402021503

Publisher: Springer, 2004

Synopsis

This book is based on a one-semester course for advanced undergraduates specializing in physical chemistry. I am aware that the mathematical training of most science majors is more heavily weighted towards analysis – typ- ally calculus and differential equations – than towards algebra. But it remains my conviction that the basic ideas and applications of group theory are not only vital, but not dif?cult to learn, even though a formal mathematical setting with emphasis on rigor and completeness is not the place where most chemists would feel most comfortable in learning them. The presentation here is short, and limited to those aspects of symmetry and group theory that are directly useful in interpreting molecular structure and spectroscopy. Nevertheless I hope that the reader will begin to sense some of the beauty of the subject. Symmetry is at the heart of our understanding of the physical laws of nature. If a reader is happy with what appears in this book, I must count this a success. But if the book motivates a reader to move deeper into the subject, I shall be grati?ed.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 140202150X
• ISBN 13: 9781402021503
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 132