Introduction to quantum theory and atomic structure

the long version

This series of short texts provides accessible accounts of a range of essential topics in chemistry. Written with the needs of the student in mind, the Oxford Chemistry Primers offer just the right level of detail for undergraduate study, and will be invaluable as a source of material commonly presented in lecture courses yet not adequately covered in existing texts. All the basic principles and facts in a particular area are presented in a clear and straightforward style, to produce concise yet comprehensive accounts of topics covered in both core and specialist courses. A basic understanding of quantum theory is necessary in many areas of chemistry, especially those of spectroscopy and atomic and molecular structure. This book provides an introduction to quantum theory for students in chemistry. The first two chapters are concerned with basic ideas, the problems of wave-particle duality, and the nature of the wavefunction and its statistical interpretation. Subsequent chapters address important applications of Schrodinger's equation to chemically relevant situations, the hydrogen atom, and the structure of many electron atoms and the periodic table of elements. The emphasis throughout is on physical concepts and their applications. The historical context is given for key topics, with modern illustrations to show important applications. Basic calculus and the properties of elementary trigonometric and exponential functions are assumed but other essential concepts in mathematics and classical physics are introduced as required. Each chapter concludes with some simple problems.