Angular Momentum

Designed as a learning tool for those with limited background in quantum mechanics, this book provides comprehensive coverage of angular momentum in quantum mechanics and its applications to chemistry and physics. Based on class-tested material, this presentation offers clear explanations of theory while giving equal attention to solving real problems. Theoretical considerations are made concrete and accessible through extensive examples and applications at the end of each chapter. Problem sets, designed as both individual and group exercises, are treated as an integral part of the text in order to stimulate student interest and clarify the abstract principles discussed. Examples are drawn primarily from atomic and molecular phenomena, and include many intermediate steps (often left out of other texts) to ensure complete mastery of the material, and to lay the groundwork for understanding photon and particle collision phenomena, and more advanced studies. Angular Momentum Operators and Wave Functions.

Coupling of Two Angular Momentum Vectors.

Transformation under Rotation.

The Coupling of More than Two Angular Momentum Vectors.

Spherical Tensor Operators.

Energy-level Structure and Wave Functions of a Rigid Rotor.

Appendix: Computer Programs for 3J, 6J, and 9J Symbols.

Index.

Richard ZARE, American professor of chemistry. Richard was born on November 19, 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio. Bachelor, Harvard, 1961; postgraduate, University of California, Berkeley, 1961-1963; Doctor of Philosophy (National Science Foundation predoctoral fellow), Harvard, 1964; Doctor of Science (honorary), University Arizona, 1990; Doctor of Science (honorary), Northwestern University, 1993; Doctor of Science (honorary), Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule, Zürich, 1993.