This book covers the fundamentals of quantum physics through the Coulomb theory of the hydrogen atom, a semi-quantitative analysis of the helium atom, and a qualitative description of the build up of the periodic table, ending with a discussion of radiation by atoms. The emphasis is on the underpinnings of quantum mechanics.

PREFACE, LEARNING AIDS FOR QUANTUM PHYSICS, 1 Simple models of the atom, 2 The wave properties of particles, 3 Wave-particle duality and bound states, 4 Solutions of Schrodinger’s equation in one dimension, 5 Further applications of Schrodinger’s equation, 6 Photons and quantum states, 7 Quantum amplitudes and state vectors, 8 The time dependence of quantum states, 9 Particle scattering and barrier penetration, 10 Angular momentum, 11 Angular momentum of atomic systems, 12 Quantum states of three-dimensional systems, 13 Identical particles and atomic structure, 14 Radiation by atoms, BIBLIOGRAPHY, ANSWERS TO EXERCISES, SELECTED PHYSICAL CONSTANTS AND CONVERSION FACTORS, INDEX