Richard N. Zare

Angular Momentum

Focused treatment of angular momentum for chemistry and physics Most quantum mechanics texts treat angular momentum as one topic among many and orient primarily toward physicists. Now in its Second Edition, Angular Momentum: Understanding Spatial Aspects in Chemistry and Physics provides dedicated coverage of angular momentum theory and its applications to atomic and molecular phenomena, balancing rigorous theoretical development with worked problems drawn equally from chemistry and physics. New to this edition are a section on the Runge-Lenz vector, an expanded chapter on orientation and alignment, and applications covering angular-momentum interference effects in photodissociation and reaction stereodynamics. A new chapter on the vector-model wave function provides quantitative and pictorial descriptions. Examples retain intermediate steps to build toward collision phenomena and advanced studies. Readers will also find: Problem sets designed as both individual and group exercises, integrated into the text to reinforce abstract theoretical principlesClass-tested material developed from graduate-level instruction, ensuring pedagogical clarity and logical progression through the subjectDetailed worked examples from atomic and molecular phenomena that retain intermediate steps omitted in standard quantum mechanics treatmentsCoverage that serves chemists and physicists equally, connecting spatial aspects of angular momentum to spectroscopy and collision dynamicsNew applications and problem sets added to this edition, expanding the scope of real-world contexts for angular momentum theoryAngular Momentum serves graduate students in chemistry, physics, astrochemistry, engineering, life sciences, and molecular spectroscopy, as well as researchers in industry and academia seeking a focused, rigorous treatment of angular momentum theory and its applications across disciplines.