Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics

Description

The field of physics known as quantum mechanics (QM) is comparatively recent and was created by a group of scientists at the turn of the 20th century. Until that point, the laws of classical physics could describe all known physical processes as either waves or particles (classical mechanics, kinematics) (optics, classical electromagnetism). The discovery of novel phenomena, such as the photoelectric effect, has created a new branch of physics and transformed how we perceive the world. One of the most exciting areas of current physics is quantum mechanics because many insights from this subject are initially counterintuitive (i.e., they differ significantly from what we would expect in a classical picture!). A subfield of physics known as "quantum mechanics" studies physical events in which the configuration of the Planck constant plays a role. The quantum world of atomic and subatomic length scales is where quantum physics diverges the most from classical mechanics. Most of the dual particle-like and wave-like behavior and interactions of energy and matter are mathematically described by quantum mechanics (QM). For example, understanding how different atoms combine to make compounds relies on quantum mechanics. By stating clearly which molecules are energetically preferable to others and by how much, it offers a quantitative approach to chemical bonding processes. Physical science dealing with the behavior of matter and energy at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles/waves is known as quantum mechanics. It is the main research tool in structural biology and the foundation of many related fields, including condensed matter physics, quantum chemistry, and particle physics. Quantum physics has a significant influence on the development of nanotechnology and electronics within the subject of engineering. The primary goals of this book are to provide thorough coverage of all relevant topics in quantum mechanics.