Structure of Matter (eBook)

This is the second edition of this textbook, the original of which was published in 2007. Initial undergraduate studies in physics are usually in an organized format devoted to elementary aspects, which is then followed by advanced programmes in specialized fields. A difficult task is to provide a formative introduction in the early period, suitable as a base for courses more complex, thus bridging the wide gap between elementary physics and topics pertaining to research activities. This textbook remains an endeavour toward that goal, and is based on a mixture of simplified institutional theory and solved problems. In this way, the hope is to provide physical insight, basic knowledge and motivation, without impeding advanced learning. The choice has been to limit the focus to key concepts and to those aspects most typical of atoms, molecules and compounds, by looking at the basic, structural components, without paying detailed attention to the properties possessed by them. Problems are intertwined with formal presentations of the arguments presented, designed as an intrinsic part of the pathway by which the student should move in order to grasp the key concepts. The text has been completely revised. The subject index has been considerably extended and some figures amended in order to help the reader to better perceive the physical issues. However, the general purpose of this text remains the same as in the first edition.

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Intended Audience, Approach and Presentation This text is intended for a course of about fifteen weeks for undergraduate students. It arises from the adaptation and the amendments to a text for a full-year course in Structure of Matter, written by one of the authors (A.R.) about thirty years ago. At that time only a few (if any) textbooks having the suited form for introduction to basic quantum properties of atoms, molecules and crystals in a comprehensive and interrelated way, were available. Along the last twenty years many excellent books pursuing the aforementioned aim have been published (some of them are listed at the end of this preface). Still there are reasons, in our opinion, to attempt a further text devoted to the quantum roots of condensed matter properties. A practical aspect in this regard involves the organization of the studies in Physics, after the huge scien- tific outburst of the various topics of fundamental and technological character in recent decades. In most Universities there is now a first period of three or four years, common to all the students and devoted to elementary aspects, followed by a more advanced program in rather specialized fields of Physics.