Quantum Mechanics with Concept Maps

by Michael Wick

Overview

Many physics textbooks take a traditional approach to the demonstration of mathematical relationships and derivations, presenting them in linear order. However, many physical derivations follow a tree-shaped structure with interconnected steps running in parallel, where numerous individual equations are manipulated and combined to reach a final result. Thus, conventional presentation often leads to derivations being spread over several book pages and linked by formula numbering. This title takes a novel and intuitive approach to introductory quantum mechanics by utilising concept maps to address non-linear structures in key mathematical relationships. Concept maps are structures in a form similar to flowcharts where derivations, concepts, and relations are visualised on one page, supported by concise accompanying text on the opposite page. Perfect as a supporting and guiding tool for undergraduates, this book is designed to aid in the understanding and memorisation of key derivations and mathematical concepts in quantum mechanics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009234894
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/21/2023
Pages:	190
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.57(h) x 0.39(d)

About the Author

Michael Wick is Professor of Physics at Coburg University, where he teaches quantum mechanics, atomic physics and mathematical methods for undergraduates, and previously worked as Senior Scientist at Carl Zeiss AG. He has successfully applied the concept maps technique in his courses at Coburg and in two German-language textbooks on quantum mechanics (2019) and classical mechanics (2021).

Table of Contents

Preface; Instructions; Notation; 1. Fundamentals; 2. Solutions of the Schrödinger equation in one dimension; 3. Bra-ket notation; 4. Solutions of the Schrödinger equation in three dimensions; 5. Approximation methods; 6. Mathematical background; Glossary; Index.

Editorial Reviews

‘This book is a wonderful supplement to standard textbooks on quantum mechanics at the undergraduate level. The presentation is very innovative and almost resembles a blackboard discussion. I believe the book will be particularly useful for students with a preference for visual learning.’ Wolfgang Altmannshofer, University of California, Santa Cruz

‘As the adage goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Quantum Mechanics with Concept Maps provides an excellent visual tool that allows students to see how parallel approaches and manifestations of quantum mechanics come together. One example is the presentation of angular momentum in position space versus state space. Another is the comparison of state vectors versus wave functions. I am keen to use this approach in my own classes.’ Jim Napolitano, Temple University

From the Publisher