Modern Quantum Mechanics

Modern Quantum Mechanics is a renowned graduate-level textbook that covers quantum mechanics in a clear, organized, and engaging manner. This third edition, revised by Jim Napolitano, introduces topics that extend its value into the twenty-first century, such as modern mathematical techniques for advanced calculations, while retaining fundamental topics such as neutron interferometer experiments, Feynman path integrals, correlation measurements, and Bell's inequalities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 566 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Modern Quantum Mechanics is a renowned graduate-level textbook that comprehensively covers the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics in a clear, organized, and engaging manner. Authored by the esteemed particle theorist J. J. Sakurai, this third edition has been revised by Jim Napolitano to ensure its relevance in the twenty-first century. It introduces cutting-edge topics that enhance its value, including modern mathematical techniques for advanced quantum mechanical calculations. At the same time, it retains essential topics such as neutron interferometer experiments, Feynman path integrals, correlation measurements, and Bell's inequalities. A comprehensive solutions manual is also provided for further guidance.

Quantum mechanics is a fundamental branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It emerged in the early twentieth century as a result of a series of experiments and theoretical developments that challenged the classical understanding of nature.

One of the key concepts in quantum mechanics is the wave-particle duality, which states that all particles can be described either as waves or as particles, depending on the context. This duality is a result of the fact that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, such as wavelength, frequency, and momentum.

Another important concept in quantum mechanics is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which states that the more precisely we measure the position or momentum of a particle, the less precisely we can measure its speed or energy. This principle is a direct result of the wave-particle duality and has profound implications for our understanding of the nature of reality.

Quantum mechanics also provides a framework for understanding the behavior of molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles. It allows us to predict the properties of molecules and atoms, such as their structure, energy, and reactivity, with a high degree of accuracy.

In addition to its theoretical implications, quantum mechanics has had a significant impact on various fields of science and technology, including electronics, chemistry, materials science, and medicine. For example, quantum mechanics is used to design and develop new materials with unique properties, such as superconductors and magnetic materials. It is also used to study the behavior of biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, and to develop new drugs and therapies.

Despite its many successes, quantum mechanics is also a complex and challenging field that has continued to inspire debate and research. One of the major challenges in quantum mechanics is the problem of quantum entanglement, which occurs when two or more particles become intertwined in such a way that their states cannot be described independently of each other. This phenomenon has been the subject of much research and has led to the development of new theories and technologies, such as quantum cryptography and quantum computing.

Another challenge in quantum mechanics is the problem of measurement, which involves the interaction of a particle with a measuring device. According to the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, the result of a measurement is determined by the observer. This interpretation has been widely accepted, but it has also been criticized for its lack of realism and its inability to explain certain phenomena, such as the wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle.

Despite these challenges, quantum mechanics remains a vital and active field of research, with many researchers working to deepen our understanding of the fundamental principles of nature and to apply its insights to real-world problems. As our knowledge of the quantum world continues to expand, we may be able to unlock new technologies and discoveries that have the potential to transform our understanding of the universe and our place in it.

In conclusion, modern quantum mechanics is a classic graduate-level textbook that provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. Authored by J. J. Sakurai, a renowned particle theorist, this third edition has been revised by Jim Napolitano to ensure its relevance in the twenty-first century. It introduces cutting-edge topics that enhance its value, while retaining essential topics such as neutron interferometer experiments, Feynman path integrals, correlation measurements, and Bell's inequalities. A comprehensive solutions manual is also provided for further guidance.

Quantum mechanics is a fundamental branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It emerged in the early twentieth century as a result of a series of experiments and theoretical developments that challenged the classical understanding of nature.

One of the key concepts in quantum mechanics is the wave-particle duality, which states that all particles can be described either as waves or as particles, depending on the context. This duality is a result of the fact that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, such as wavelength, frequency, and momentum.

Another important concept in quantum mechanics is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which states that the more precisely we measure the position or momentum of a particle, the less precisely we can measure its speed or energy. This principle is a direct result of the wave-particle duality and has profound implications for our understanding of the nature of reality.

Quantum mechanics also provides a framework for understanding the behavior of molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles. It allows us to predict the properties of molecules and atoms, such as their structure, energy, and reactivity, with a high degree of accuracy.

In addition to its theoretical implications, quantum mechanics has had a significant impact on various fields of science and technology, including electronics, chemistry, materials science, and medicine. For example, quantum mechanics is used to design and develop new materials with unique properties, such as superconductors and magnetic materials. It is also used to study the behavior of biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, and to develop new drugs and therapies.

Despite its many successes, quantum mechanics is also a complex and challenging field that has continued to inspire debate and research. One of the major challenges in quantum mechanics is the problem of quantum entanglement, which occurs when two or more particles become intertwined in such a way that their states cannot be described independently of each other. This phenomenon has been the subject of much research and has led to the development of new theories and technologies, such as quantum cryptography and quantum computing.

Another challenge in quantum mechanics is the problem of measurement, which involves the interaction. According to the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, the result of a measurement is determined by the interaction. This interpretation has been widely accepted, but it has also been criticized for its lack of realism and its inability to explain certain phenomena, such as the wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle.

Despite these challenges, quantum mechanics remains a vital and active field of research, with many researchers working to deepen our understanding of the fundamental principles of nature and to apply its insights to real-world problems. As our knowledge of the quantum world continues to expand, we may be able to unlock new technologies and discoveries that have the potential to transform our understanding of the universe and our place in it.

In conclusion, modern quantum mechanics is a classic graduate-level textbook that provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. Authored by J. J. Sakurai, a renowned particle theorist, this third edition has been revised by Jim Napolitano to ensure its relevance in the twenty-first century. It introduces cutting-edge topics that enhance its value, while retaining essential topics such as neutron interferometer experiments, Feynman path integrals, correlation measurements, and Bell's inequalities. A comprehensive solutions manual is also provided for further guidance.

Weight: 1370g
Dimension: 196 x 253 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108473224
Edition number: 3 Revised edition