Selected Applications of Quantum Physics

Abstract

In the earlier chapters of this part of the book we set forth the basic ideas of quantum mechanics and used them to interpret the structure of the atom. In this chapter we shall consider further applications of these principles in the areas of molecular structure, statistical mechanics, and solid-state physics. In a certain sense these subjects represent a digression from atomic and nuclear physics, since all three topics deal with collections of atoms. Yet it is conventional to include them in treatments of atomic physics and there are good reasons for doing so. Historically, quantum principles were applied to systems with many atoms at an early stage in the development of the theory. Understanding of atomic physics made progress in parallel with these other fields and in many cases contributions to several areas were made by the same individual. In recent years each of these subjects has grown into a full-scale field of physical research and to deal adequately with any one area would require an entire book. Therefore we shall consider here only certain applications, chosen according to criteria of simplicity, historical significance, or practical utility.