Fundamentals of Molecular Symmetry
Series in Chemical Physics Series

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Language: English

220.72 €

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Fundamentals of Molecular Symmetry
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· 15.6x23.4 cm · Hardback

89.57 €

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Fundamentals of molecular symmetry
Publication date:
358 p. · 15.6x23.4 cm · Paperback

Winner of a 2005 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Book Award

Molecular symmetry is an easily applied tool for understanding and predicting many of the properties of molecules. Traditionally, students are taught this subject using point groups derived from the equilibrium geometry of the molecule.

Fundamentals of Molecular Symmetry shows how to set up symmetry groups for molecules using the more general idea of energy invariance. It is no more difficult than using molecular geometry and one obtains molecular symmetry groups.

The book provides an introductory description of molecular spectroscopy and quantum mechanics as the foundation for understanding how molecular symmetry is defined and used. The approach taken gives a balanced account of using both point groups and molecular symmetry groups. Usually the point group is only useful for isolated, nonrotating molecules, executing small amplitude vibrations, with no tunneling, in isolated electronic states. However, for the chemical physicist or physical chemist who wishes to go beyond these limitations, the molecular symmetry group is almost always required.

PART 1: SPECTROSCOPY AND THE QUANTUM STATES OF MOLECULES Molecular spectroscopy Quantum mechanics Electronic states Vibrational states Rotational states PART 2: SYMMETRY AND SYMMETRY GROUPS Geometrical symmetry The symmetry of the Hamiltonian The symmetry of rigid molecules PART 3: APPLICATIONS OF SYMMETRY Nuclear spin, statistical weights and hyperfine structure The symmetry of electronic wavefunctions The symmetry of rotation-vibration wavefunctions Symmetry selection rules for optical transitions The symmetry groups of non-rigid molecules PART 4: OTHER SYMMETRIES AND SYMMETRY VIOLATION Other symmetries Symmetry violation APPENDIX A: Answers to selected problems APPENDIX B: Character tables APPENDIX C: Books for further reading
Undergraduate
P.R. Bunker, P. Jensen