1st Edition

Quantum Physics of Matter

Edited By Alan Durrant Copyright 2000
    231 Pages
    by CRC Press

    232 Pages
    by CRC Press

    Quantum Physics of Matter explores the way in which quantum physics determines the properties of materials. The quantum physics of solids, for example, dictates whether they are good insulators, conductors, semiconductors, or even superconductors. At a deeper level, it explores how the quantum physics of nuclei and elementary particles determines the stability of matter and hence the range of substances that came into existence through the big bang and the evolution of stars.

    Introduction

    Quantum Gases
    What is a quantum gas?
    Quantum theory of a gas of distinguishable molecules
    Identical particles in quantum mechanics
    The photon gas - blackbody radiation explained
    The electron gas in metals
    Closing items
    Appendix to Chapter 1

    Solid-State Physics
    Beyond tin disease
    The bonding and structure of solids
    Free-electron models of conduction in solids
    Band theory of solids
    The p-n junction and semiconductor devices
    Superconductivity
    Closing items

    Nuclear Physics
    Energy puzzles
    Characterisitics of atomic nuclei
    Nuclear stability and binding energies
    Nuclear structure
    Quantum-mechanical tunnelling in nuclear reactions
    Closing items

    Particle Physics
    The challenge of particle physics
    Introduction to particle physics and its techniques
    Particles and their interactions
    The quark model for hadrons
    Quantum physics of fundamental particles
    Closing items

    Consolidation and Skills Development
    Introduction
    Overview of Chapters 1 to 4
    Preparing for and taking exams
    Revision questions
    Interactive questions
    Postscript

    Answer and Comments
    Acknowledgements
    Index

    Biography

    Alan Durrant

    "…very helpful to beginners wishing to study physics."
    - ASLIB Book Guide