Introduction to Modern Physics: Volume 1, 2nd Edition

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

The standard undergraduate programme in physics of all Indian Universities includes courses on Special Theory of Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy, Solid State Physics, Semiconductor Physics and Nuclear Physics. To provide study material on such diverse topics is obviously a difficult task partly because of the huge amount of material and partly because of the different nature of concepts used in these branches of physics. This book comprises of self-contained study materials on Special Theory of Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy. In this book the author has made a modest attempt to provide standard material to undergraduate students at one place. The author realizes that the way he has presented and explained the subject matter is not the only way possibilities of better presentation and the way of better explanation of intrigue concepts are always there. The author has been very careful in selecting the topics, laying their sequence and the style of presentation so that student may not be afraid of learning new concepts. Realizing the mental state of undergraduate students, every attempt has been made to present the material in most elementary and digestible form. The author feels that he cannot guess as to how far he has come up in his endeavour and to the expectations of esteemed readers. They have to judge his work critically and pass their constructive criticism either tohim or to the publishers so that they can be incorporated in further editions. To err is human. The author will be glad to receive comments on conceptual mistakes and misinterpretation if any that have escaped his attention.A sufficiently large number of solved examples have been added at appropriate places to make the readers feel confident in applying the basic principles.
I wish to express my thanks to Mr. Saumya Gupta (Managing Director), New Age International (P) Limited, Publishers, as well as the editorial department for their untiring effort to complete thisproject within a very short period.
In the end I await the response this book draws from students and learned teachers.
R.B. Singh