APPLICATION-DRIVEN QUANTUM AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS: A SHORT COURSE FOR FUTURE SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS - VOLUME 2: EQUILIBRIUM (Essential Textbooks in Physics) - Hardcover

Jean-Michel Gillet

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1786345579 ISBN 13: 9781786345578

Publisher: WSPC (Europe), 2018

Synopsis

Bridging the gap between traditional books on quantum and statistical physics, this series is an ideal introductory course for students who are looking for an alternative approach to the traditional academic treatment.

This pedagogical approach relies heavily on scientific or technological applications from a wide range of fields. For every new concept introduced, an application is given to connect the theoretical results to a real-life situation. Each volume features in-text exercises and detailed solutions, with easy-to-understand applications.

Building on the principles introduced in Volume 1, this second volume explains the structure of atoms, the vibration and rotation of molecules. It describes how this is related to thermodynamics through statistical physics. It is shown that these fundamental achievements help to understand how explosives and CO can be detected, what makes a gecko stick to the ceiling, why old stars do not necessarily collapse, where nuclear energy comes from, and more.

Readership: Undergraduate students who need a concise introduction to quantum and statistical physics. Graduate students who want to return and learn about the subject from a different perspective.

About this title

Review

"Gillet's book strikes a refreshing balance of the depth and rigor of exposition and the review of the prerequisites, all contextualized pleasantly within the history of quantum mechanics. From the basics and up to the generalized Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of quantum mechanics, the book is punctuated with extremely well-chosen examples. Theory is amplified with applications from fossil cosmic background radiation to the technology of laser printers and up to quantum cryptopgraphy. Conceptual undersanding is at the center of Gillet's solved examples; a truly unique feature of this book. Gillet invites students and their instructor to 'think' and appreciate the beauty and the practical aspects of quantum mechanics. Well done!" -- Chérif F Matta, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada

Edition details

• Publisher: WSPC (Europe)
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1786345579
• ISBN 13: 9781786345578
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 336