About the Book
This textbook is designed to be an accessible introduction to quantum mechanics and spectroscopy, specifically tailored for upper-level undergraduate chemistry majors in a Physical Chemistry course. The text begins with a review of classical physics and calculus before introducing the "failures" of those classical rules that made the development of quantum theory necessary. It continues with fundamental quantum concepts using standard teaching models—such as the "particle-in-a-box", the "harmonic oscillator", and the "rigid rotor". What makes this textbook unique is that it introduces spectroscopy, the study of how light interacts with matter, early and alongside each model. For example, we discuss electronic absorption immediately after the particle-in-a-box model, vibrational spectroscopy after the harmonic oscillator, and rotational spectroscopy after the rigid rotor. The text will conclude by examining the hydrogen atom, multi-electron atoms and molecules, and modern computational chemistry methods. By introducing spectroscopy early, the text allows students to connect the abstract mathematics of quantum mechanics to the hands-on lab experiments they have already encountered. It also naturally supports a laboratory component that incorporates both experimental spectroscopy and computer-based modeling. Finally, the text contains "multiple means of representation" by combining clear mathematical derivations with conceptual diagrams, applications to real-world systems, and exercises using Python code to help students visualize these complex topics.
About the Contributors
Authors
Dhabih Chulhai
David Styers-Barnett