Modern Physics: The Quantum Physics of Atoms, Solids, and Nuclei: Third Edition

by Robert L. Sproull, W. Andrew Phillips

Overview

This introduction to the concepts and methods of quantum mechanics employs the analysis of one-dimensional problems to offer students a quantitative understanding of atomic, molecular, solid-state, and nuclear physics. Applications of these concepts and methods help answer the most intriguing questions of modern physics: What holds matter together? Holds it apart? How does the variety of chemical properties of different elements arise? How do electrons move through solids? Why do nuclei that occur in nature possess only certain combinations of protons and neutrons?
The text presents meaningful problems by topic — supplemented by ample illustrations, applications, and exercises — that address the most intriguing questions of modern physics. Answers to selected problems appear in the appendix. Geared toward science and engineering majors, this volume is also appropriate for independent study by those who have completed a general physics course.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780486783260
Publisher:	Dover Publications
Publication date:	03/18/2015
Series:	Dover Books on Physics
Pages:	704
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Robert L. Sproull is Professor Emeritus and former President of the University of Rochester. He directed the Advanced Research Projects Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, served as Chairman of the Defense Science Board, and is a member of the Roundtable Council of the National Academy of Sciences.
W. Andrew Phillips is a University Demonstrator and Lecturer in Physics at the University of Cambridge, where he is a Life Fellow of Queens' College.

Table of Contents

1 Atoms, Nuclei and Particles

1-1 Introduction 1

1-2 The Atom 3

1-3 The Electron and the Proton 6

1-4 The Nuclear Binding Energies 15

1-5 Relativistic Effects 19

1-6 Nuclear Binding Energies 25

1-7 Particles and Particle Accelerators 37

2 Assemblies of Particles

2-1 Introduction 57

2-2 Energy of Random Motion 58

2-3 Maxwell Distribution of Kinetic Energies and Velocities 63

2-4 Boltzmann Distribution 69

2-5 Collisions, Mean Free Paths, and Atomic Sizes 72

3 Quantum Phenomena

3-1 Introduction 81

3-2 Black-body Radiation 82

3-3 The Photoelectric Effect 88

3-4 Line Spectra 94

3-5 X-Ray Line Spectra 99

3-6 The Continuous X-Ray Spectrum 108

3-7 Excitation Potentials 110

3-8 The Compton Effect 113

3-9 Electron Diffraction 118

3-10 Neutron Diffraction 121

3-11 The Stern-Gerlach Experiment 124

3-12 Summary 126

4 Introductory Quantum Mechanics

4-1 Introduction 135

4-2 The Wavefunction and the Schrödinger Equation 136

4-3 The Square Well Potential 141

4-4 The Free Particle, Wave Packets, and the Uncertainty Principle 145

4-5 Potential Wells and Potential Barriers 156

4-6 Operators and Observables 169

4-7 Measurement, Expectation Values, and Superposition States 178

4-8 Eigenvalues and Eigenfunctions of the Simple Harmonic Oscillator 186

4-9 Approximate Methods 196

4-10 Radiation Theory 204

4-11 Summary 211

5 Atomic Structure and Spectra

5-1 Introduction 221

5-2 The Hydrogen Atom 222

5-3 The Exclusion Principle 234

5-4 Electronic Structure of Atoms 236

5-5 X-Ray Spectra 245

5-6 Optical Spectra 252

5-7 Lasers 258

6 Molecules

6-1 Introduction 273

6-2 The KCI Molecule and Ionic Binding 274

6-3 The Hydrogen Molecule Ion 279

6-4 Molecular Orbitals 283

6-5 Covalen Bonding in Molecules 291

6-6 Molecular Spectra and Dissociation 297

7 Binding and Energy Bands in Solids

7-1 Introduction 309

7-2 Inoic and Covalent Crytals 310

7-3 Metallic Crystals 315

7-4 Energy Bands, Atomic Energy Level Approach 320

7-5 Enery Bands, Nearly Free Electron Approach 329

8 Electrical, Thermal, and Magnetic Properties of Solids

8-1 Introduction 341

8-2 Conductors and Non-Conductors of Electricity 342

8-3 Fermi Distribution of Electron Energies 348

8-4 Conduction Band Electrons in Metals and Alloys 351

8-5 Thermal Properties of Solids 360

8-6 Electrical Conductivity of Metals and Alloys 369

8-7 Superconductivity 377

8-8 Magnetic Properties of Solids 387

9 Imperfections in Solids

9-1 Introduction 407

9-2 Types of Imperfections 408

9-3 Diffusion and Ionic Conductivity 418

9-4 Optical Absorption 421

9-5 Photoconductivity 426

9-6 Luminescence 432

9-7 Slip and Strength of Metals and Alloys 438

9-8 Surface Physics 444

10 Semiconductors

10-1 Introduction 467

10-2 Intrinsic Semiconductors 468

10-3 n- and p-Type Semiconductors 476

10-4 Semiconductor-Insulator Boundaries 484

10-5 Applications of MOS Devices 495

10-6 p-n Junctions 500

10-7 Junction Transistors 516

11 Nuclear Physics

11-1 Introduction 533

11-2 Radioactivily; α Emission 534

11-3 Size and Constituents of Nuclei 540

11-4 β Emission and Electron Capture 548

11-5 γ Emission and Internal Conversion 552

11-6 Nuclear Stability 556

11-7 Nuclear Reactions 569

11-8 Nuclear Forces 578

12 Experimental and Applied Nuclear Physics

12-1 Introduction 591

12-2 Nuclear Fission 592

12-3 Nuclear Reactors 598

12-4 Nuclear Fusion 607

12-5 Interaction between Charged Particles and Matter 611

12-6 Detectors for Nuclear Particles 616

12-7 Application of Radioactive Nuclides 623

Appendices

A Physical Constants 633

B Conversion of S.I. to cgs Units 635

C Periodic System of the Elements 639

D Atomic Masses and Atomic Weights 641

E Rutherford Scattering 647

F The Density of Normal Modes 653

G Pulse Spectra and the Uncertainty Principle 657

H Answers to Problems 663

Index 669