Quantum Mechanics in Physics and Chemistry with Applications to Biology

This book provides a comprehensive treatment of the principles and applications of quantum mechanics with equal emphasis on concept building and problem solving. The book follows an integrated approach to expose the students to applications of quantum mechanics in both physics and chemistry streams. A chapter is devoted to biological applications as well, to evince the interest of the students pursuing courses in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics. Such unique organization of the book makes it suitable for both Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Chemistry courses, where the common areas like molecular structure and spectroscopy are emphasized. The book, in its second edition, continues to serve as an ideal textbook for the first-year postgraduate students of both physics and chemistry as well as for senior undergraduate students pursuing honours courses in these disciplines. It has been thoroughly revised and enlarged with the introduction of a new chapter on Quantum Statistics and Plancks Law of Black-Body Radiation, some important sections in various chapters and more worked-out examples. The book helps students learn difficult concepts of quantum mechanics with simpler mathematics and intuitive language, but without sacrificing rigour. It has informal classroom type approach suitable for self-learning. Key Features Gives about 200 worked-out examples and chapter-end problems with hints and answers related to different areas of modern science including biology. Highlights important technological developments based on Quantum Mechanics, such as electron microscope, scanning tunnelling microscope, lasers, Raman spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Provides adequate number of illustrations. Includes detailed mathematical derivations separately in Appendices for a more rigorous approach.Table of Contents: Preface Acknowledgements The Periodic Table 1. Early Days of Quantum Theory and the Wave Nature of Electrons 2. The Schrdinger Equation and Operators in Quantum Mechanics 3. Particles in Potential Wells and Tunnelling through Barriers 4. The Harmonic Oscillator: A Model for Molecular Vibrations 5. The Rigid Rotator: A Model for Molecular Rotations and the Angular Momentum 6. The Hydrogen Atom: Energy Levels and Atomic Orbitals 7. The Electron Spin and Related Phenomena 8. Chemical Bonding: Molecular Orbitals and Energy Levels of Electrons in Molecules 9. Perturbation Theories and Selection Rules for Transitions 10. Elements of Molecular Spectroscopy and Lasers 11. Hybrid Orbitals in Carbon Compounds and the Planar Molecule Ethylene 12. The Huckel Molecular Orbital Theory with Applications to Polyatomic Molecules 13. Self-consistent Field Molecular Orbital Theories in Quantum Chemistry 14. Symmetry Elements of Molecules and Group Theory 15. Weak Bonds and the Molecules of Life Appendices References Answers to Problems with Hints Index