The latest of many attempts to link subatomic physics to broader human concerns, this brisk, uneven volume splits neatly in two: the first half explains key ideas in quantum physics, and the second makes grand claims about their worth for other fields. Classical physics rules out "action at a distance." (You can't move a billiard ball unless something--a pool cue, an air jet, lightning--contacts it.) But quantum physics permits "non-local" action, and recent experiments prove it: do certain things to one photon, and you'll affect another faster than light can travel between the two.
Here is a fascinating and nontechnical introduction to the ubiquitous effects of symmetry. Starting with geometrical elements of symmetry, the author reveals the beauty of symmetry in the laws of physics, biology, astronomy, and chemistry. He shows that symmetryand asymmetry form the founda tion of relativity, quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, and .ato mic, subatomic, and elementary particle physics, and so on.
Ideas of Quantum Chemistry shows how quantum mechanics is applied to chemistry to give it a theoretical foundation. The structure of the book (a TREE-form) emphasizes the logical relationships between various topics, facts and methods. It shows the reader which parts of the text are needed for understanding specific aspects of the subject matter.
Quantum Mechanics- central not only to physics but also chemistry, materials science and other fields- is notoriously abstract and difficult. Essential Quantum Mechanics is a uniquely concise and explanatory book that fills the gap between introductory and advanced courses, between popularizations and technical treatises.
