The Quantum Particle Illusion: Conceptual Quantum Mechanics

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Problems with the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics date back to attempts by Max Born, Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, as well as many others in the 1920s to continue to employ the classical concept of a particle in the context of the quantum world. The experimental observations at the time and the assumption that the classical concept of a particle was to be preserved have led to an enormous literature on the foundations of quantum mechanics and a great deal of confusion then and now among non-physicists and students in any field that involves quantum theory. It is the historical approach to the teaching of quantum mechanics that is at the root of the problem. Spacetime is the arena within which quantum mechanical phenomena take place. For this reason, several Appendices are devoted to the nature of spacetime as well as to topics that can help us understand it such as vacuum fluctuations, the Unruh effect and Hawking radiation. Because of the success of quantum mechanical calculations, those who wish to understand the foundations of the theory are often given the apocryphal advice, "just ignore the issue and calculate". It is hoped that this book will help dispel some of the dismay, frustration, and confusion among those who refuse to take to heart this admonition. Sample Chapter(s) Preface Introduction Contents: Preface Introduction The Photon: History of a Misrepresentation The Concept of a Particle Reinterpreting the Wavefunction Matter and Its Motion Appendices: Spacetime Curved Spacetime: Illusory Particles? The Vacuum and the Cosmological Constant Problem Readership: Students and physicists interested in quantum mechanics.

Quantum Mechanics A Paradigms Approach

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This popular undergraduate quantum mechanics textbook is now available in a more affordable printing from Cambridge University Press. Unlike many other books on quantum mechanics, this text begins by examining experimental quantum phenomena such as the Stern-Gerlach experiment and spin measurements, using them as the basis for developing the theoretical principles of quantum mechanics. Dirac notation is developed from the outset, offering an intuitive and powerful mathematical toolset for calculation, and familiarizing students with this important notational system. This non-traditional approach is designed to deepen students' conceptual understanding of the subject, and has been extensively class tested. Suitable for undergraduate physics students, worked examples are included throughout and end of chapter problems act to reinforce and extend important concepts. Additional activities for students are provided online, including interactive simulations of Stern-Gerlach experiments, and a fully worked solutions manual is available for instructors. Focuses on modern experimental quantum mechanics, immersing the reader in current research trends and developing an intuitive understanding of the subject Develops understanding and fluency of Dirac and matrix notation, giving students access to a powerful mathematical toolset Fully worked examples, homework problems, and interactive simulations enhance the book's pedagogical value Table of Contents Preface Prologue 1. Stern-Gerlach experiments 2. Operators and measurement 3. Schrödinger time evolution 4. Quantum spookiness 5. Quantized energies: particle in a box 6. Unbound states 7. Angular momentum 8. Hydrogen atom 9. Harmonic oscillator 10. Perturbation theory 11. Hyperfine structure and the addition of angular momenta 12. Perturbation of hydrogen 13. Identical particles 14. Time-dependent perturbation theory 15. Periodic systems 16. Modern applications of quantum mechanics Appendix A. Probability Appendix B. Complex numbers Appendix C. Matrices Appendix D. Waves and fourier analysis Appendix E. Separation of variables Appendix F. Integrals Appendix G. Physical constants Index

Quantum Mechanics: A Mathematical Introduction (1版)

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This original and innovative textbook takes the unique perspective of introducing and solving problems in quantum mechanics using linear algebra methods, to equip readers with a deeper and more practical understanding of this fundamental pillar of contemporary physics. Extensive motivation for the properties of quantum mechanics, Hilbert space, and the Schrödinger equation is provided through analysis of the derivative, while standard topics like the harmonic oscillator, rotations, and the hydrogen atom are covered from within the context of operator methods. Advanced topics forming the basis of modern physics research are also included, such as the density matrix, entropy, and measures of entanglement. Written for an undergraduate audience, this book offers a unique and mathematically self-contained treatment of this hugely important topic. Students are guided gently through the text by the author's engaging writing style, with an extensive glossary provided for reference and numerous homework problems to expand and develop key concepts. Online resources for instructors include a fully worked solutions manual and lecture slides.