BOOK REVIEWS Quantum Mechanics
Evgen Merzbacher, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1961. aii 544 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. $12.
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This book is an excellent modern presentation of elementmy quantum m e chanics for physicists. After a very brief introduction of the essential physical ideas of the wave nature of mat,ter, there follows a discussion of the wave function and wave equation. Fourier transformations between wave functions in complementary spaces (configuration space-momentum space) are used freely to advantage. IIlustrations of the solution of the Schrodinger equation are given for the eases of free motion, the harmonic and double oscillator, piecewise constant potentials, the hydrogen stom and the square well, among others. Approximation methods discussed include the W. K. B. approximation, and perturbation theory of bound states and time-dependent problems. The theory of scabtering is given in good detail with a chapter devoted to the recent developments in the formal theory of mattering. This topic has received much attention by physicists in the last ten years, in fields ranging from nuclear ~ h y s i c st o quantum statistics. Chemists $so are becoming interested in these th~nret,ical devdooments in connection
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with the chemioal valence prohlem and the a priori calculations of chemical reaction cross sections. Chapters on angular momentum, transformation theory, spin, identical particles, and symmetry are included. Where necessary advanced mathematical techniques are used and discussed in detail. The book can be recommended t o all chemists who wish a n introduction to, or a review of, quantum mechanics in preparation for an appreciation of current research in physics.
JOHN ROSS Brom Uniuwsily Prowidace, R. I .
Progress in Reaction Kinetics. Volume 1
Edited by G. Pmter, University of Sheffield, England. Pergamon Preas, 276 pp. Inc., New York, 1961. viii Figs. and tables. 15.5 X 23.5 cm. $12.
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As presented in the forward, the twofold purpose of the book is first to produce an authoritative review of nine topics in chemical kinetics which need a critical assessment a t this time, and second to provide an up-to-date compilation of rate constants of current interest and importance. Chapter I deals with renxtions of oxygen atoms. The mathematical theory and the limitations of fast flow systems are
Determination of rate constants from explosion limit conditions, from the shift of the upper and lower explosion limits and for reactions involving oxygen atoms, as well as the temperature dependence of rate constants far exchange reactions are resented in Chapter 11. The chapter is concerned with direct determination of rate constants in the course of com~lex chemical reactions, and includes consider* tions as to possible extrapolation t o the high temperature range. Chapter I11 treats reactions of ions with molecules and gives the mathematical theories of these renxtions. The topics included are: Experimental methods, kinetics of reaction, tables of specific reaction rates, ion energies, and occurrence of ionmolecule reactions in radiation chemistry. Chapter IV presents mechanisms and data for the reactions of alkyl radicals. Reactions in which alkyl radicals are formed are not considered in detail. The criteria for deciding when conventional spatial distribution functions fail in the treatment of reactions in solution are presented in Chapter V, along with the methods by which the kinetics of fast reactions e m be described. A model for essentially fully developed theories of fast reactions neglects long range forces between reactants, assumes diffusive displacements are small compared to molecular dimensions, and treats the solvent as a structureless continuum. Possible modifications of these assumptions are recognized. Few data are presented.
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