The classic textbook on quantum mechanics from Nobel Prize-winning physicist P.J.E. Peebles This book explains the often counterintuitive physics of quantum mechanics, unlocking this key area of physics for students by enabling them to work through detailed applications of general concepts and ideas. P.J.E. Peebles states general principles first in terms of wave mechanics and then in the standard abstract linear space formalism. He offers a detailed discussion of measurement theory-an essential feature of quantum mechanics-and emphasizes the art of numerical estimates. Along the way, Peebles provides a wealth of physical examples together with numerous problems, some easy, some challenging, but all of them selected because they are physically interesting. Quantum Mechanics is an essential resource for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students in physics.

• Cover
• Title
• Dedication
• Copyright
• Contents
• Preface
• Chapter 1 Historical Development
  • 1. Energy Quantization and Heat Capacities
  • 2. Blackbody Radiation
  • 3. Photons
  • 4. Spectra and Energy Quantization of Atoms
  • 5. Matter Waves
  • 6. Schrödinger's Equation
  • 7. Remarks on Motion in One Dimension
  • 8. Probability Interpretation
  • 9. Cold Fusion*
  • 10. Momentum
  • 11. Expectation Values and the Momentum Operator
  • 12. Many-Particle Systems
  • Problems
• Chapter 2 Wave Mechanics
  • 13. Linear Space of Wave Functions
  • 14. Principles of Quantum Mechanics
  • 15. Parity
  • 16. Linear Momentum
  • 17. Orbital Angular Momentum
  • 18. Single Particle in a Central Potential
  • 19. Particle in an Electromagnetic Field*
  • Problems
• Chapter 3 Abstract Linear Space of State Vectors
  • 20. Bras, Kets, and Brackets
  • 21. Principles of Quantum Mechanics
  • 22. Recovering Wave Mechanics
  • 23. Spin
  • 24. Single Spin 1/2 System
  • 25. Two Spin 1/2 Particles
  • Problems
• Chapter 4 Measurement Theory
  • 26. Quantum Measurement Theory
  • 27. "Paradoxes" of Quantum Physics
  • 28. Hidden Variables
  • 29. Summary
• Chapter 5 Perturbation Theory
  • 30. Time-Independent Perturbation Theory
  • 31. Zeeman Effect
  • 32. Quadratic Stark Effect
  • 33. Degenerate Perturbation Theory
  • 34. Hyperfine Structure in Atomic Hydrogen
  • 35. Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory
  • 36. Induced Transitions between the Hyperfine Levels in Atomic Hydrogen
  • 37. Spontaneous Transitions between the Hyperfine Levels in Atomic Hydrogen
  • Problems
• Chapter 6 Atomic and Molecular Structure
  • 38. Energy Variational Principle
  • 39. The Ground State of Helium
  • 40. The Lowest Excited States of Helium
  • 41. Pauli Exclusion Principle
  • 42. Lithium
  • 43. Beryllium to Carbon*
  • 44. Molecular Hydrogen
  • Problems
• Chapter 7 Scattering Theory
  • 45. Scattering Amplitude and Scattering Cross Section
  • 46. Optical Theorem*
  • 47. Born Approximation
  • 48. Rutherford Scattering Cross Section
  • 49. Partial Wave Expansion
  • 50. Phase Shifts and Cross Sections
  • 51. Resonant s-Wave Scattering
  • Problems
• Chapter 8 Dirac Theory of the Electron
  • 52. Electron Spin, Magnetic Dipole Moment, and Spin-Orbit Coupling*
• Index