Problems in Quantum Mechanics: With Solutions

Problem solving in physics is not simply a test of understanding of the subject, it is an integral part of learning it. In this book, the key ideas of quantum mechanics are well illustrated by a carefully chosen set of problems complete with detailed, step-by-step solutions. Beginning with a chapter on orders of magnitude, a variety of topics is then covered, including the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics, Schrödinger's equation, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, the harmonic oscillator, spin, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, the variational method, multielectron atoms, transitions and scattering. Throughout, the physical interpretation or application of certain results is highlighted, thereby providing useful insights into a wide range of systems and phenomena. There is considerable emphasis on applications to atomic, nuclear, and solid-state physics and this book will be invaluable to a wide range of physics undergraduates.

Problem solving in physics is not simply a test of understanding the subject, but is an integral part of learning it. In this book, the basic ideas and methods of quantum mechanics are illustrated by means of a carefully chosen set of problems, complete with detailed, step-by-step solutions. After a preliminary chapter on orders of magnitude, a variety of topics is covered, including the postulates of quantum mechanics. Schrodinger's equation, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, the harmonic oscillator, spin, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, the variational method, identical particles, multielectron atoms, transitions and scattering. Most of the chapters start with a summary of the relevant theory outlining the required background for a given group of problems. Considerable emphasis is placed on examples from atomic, solid-state and nuclear physics, particularly in the latter part of the book as the student's familiarity with the concepts and techniques increases.