View Full Version : Introductory Quantum Physics Reading?
Dysprosium
Nov13-03, 11:01 PM
I am a first year university student (and have taken chemistry and physics through high school, and still do) and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for reading that would give me a good introduction to the basic background ideas behind quantum physics. I've already learned a good deal about Neils Bohr and his gang, but I was looking for something that would be easily accessible to someone with only some basic calculus, a good understanding of chemistry, and a good understanding of physics (i.e. someone like me).
Thank you for any suggestions. [:D]
Ambitwistor
Nov13-03, 11:20 PM
Normally I would either recommend a standard undergraduate quantum mechanics text, or else a non-mathematical popularization. But for someone who is mostly looking for concepts, but who also has a calculus-level mathematical background, I think Vol. III of the Feynman Lectures would be a good choice. Feynman goes quite far without using a whole lot of gory mathematics; you won't learn how to grind through and solve lots of problems, but you will get a solid sense of the foundations of the theory.
Tom Mattson
Nov14-03, 10:10 AM
In addition to the Feynman lectures, I would recommend Modern Physics by Krane.
Dysprosium
Nov14-03, 12:03 PM
Thanks a lot, you guys!
WoundedSloth
Nov16-03, 10:30 AM
"PRIMER OF QUANTUM MECHANICS"
by Marvin Chester
copyright 1987 (Reprint 1992,?)
Published by
KRIEGER PUBLISHING CO.
KRIEGER DRIVE
MALABAR, FLORDIA 32950
ISBN 0-89464-701-6
Ambitwistor
Nov16-03, 10:41 AM
I've heard good things about Chester. Is it back in print again? Last I heard, it wasn't.
WoundedSloth
Nov16-03, 07:28 PM
barnesandnoble.com
SEARCH marvin chester
"PRIMER OF QUANTUM MECHANICS"
paperback 19.95
May 2002
WoundedSloth
Nov16-03, 07:40 PM
http://store.yahoo.com/doverpublications/0486428788.html
same paperback 19.95
ISBN 0486428788
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