Quanta: A Handbook of Concepts (Oxford Chemistry Series Ocs Op) - Softcover

Atkins, P. W.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198555733 ISBN 13: 9780198555735

Publisher: Oxford University Press, U.S.A., 1991

Synopsis

This unique text provides a non-mathematical and highly visual account of the concepts of quantum mechanics widely encountered in chemistry and related disciplines. Alphabetically organized entries describe the physical significance of each topic precisely and simply. Each entry is extensively cross-referenced and ends with a guide to sources of further information. Richly illustrated with drawings and tables, this exciting work is completely rewritten. All topics have been brought up to date, and there are many more illustrations and numerous new entries, along with a revised bibliography. The work continues the tradition of the first edition, which quickly established itself among students and teachers alike as a rich source of clear, concise explanations of quantum concepts. In addition to its value for students and instructors in physical and theoretical chemistry, practicing scientists will find the succinct overviews very useful. The book is also accessible to interested general readers.

About this title

About the Author:

P. W. Atkins, Professor of Chemistry, University of Oxford, and Fellow, Lincoln College, Oxford.

Review:

From reviews of the first edition
`An excellent book ... sprightly, non-pedantic, often a delight to read ... the book is a gold mine.' Journal of Chemical Education

`His marriage of extraordinarily good English with a marvellous grounding in the physical sciences has produced a clear, simple (yet profound) work which will grace any science reference collection. The bibliography ... cannot be faulted; the index is a marvel.' The New York Public Library

'it provides a wealth of concise, non-mathematical descriptions of many of the key ideas used when chemists talk about the shape and structure of atoms and molecules ... this is another marvellous book by Peter Atkins ... It offers something for all involved in chemical education, and I expect
it to find widespread use by both students and their teachers ... this second edition of 'Quanta' is quite excellent and a very welcome addition to the chemical education literature.'
Faraday Transactions

'"Quanta" will be invluable for students, but also to all practising scientists searching for an interesting, accessible account of almost any aspect of quantum chemistry. This simple yet profound explanation of the concepts of quantum chemistry will be useful for any science reference
collection, and can be recommended for a detailed study. Book Reviews

'The standard of production is remarkably good ... In this respect it stands out from the flood of books that are poor value for money ... it can be strongly recommended as an aid to finding one's way around the field and as a reference manual to use in conjunction with other reading.'
Wolfram Sander, Institut fur Organische Chemie der Technischen Universitat Braunschweig, Angewandte Chemie, 31/8 1992

'This is a richly illustrated compilation of non-mathematical descriptions of the concepts and tools of quantum mechanics. The book is recommended to all practising chemists.'
Structural Chemistry, Vol. 3, No. 3, 1992

'a useful source book for anyone with an interest in the fundamentals of the structure of atoms, molecules and solids ... Quanta is an excellent attempt to portray the quantum world in a way in which the beauty of our current understanding of the interplay of light, electrons and nuclei is
made accessible to a wide readership'
Professor G. Duxbury, Strathclyde University, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 33, No. 4 24/06/1993

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, U.S.A.
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0198555733
• ISBN 13: 9780198555735
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 444