Book on Classical and Quantum Mechanics

In summary, there are several recommended books for both classical and quantum mechanics, depending on the level of mathematical rigor desired. For classical mechanics, "Mechanics: From Newton's Laws to Deterministic Chaos" by Scheck, "Introduction to Mechanics and Symmetry" by Marsden, and "Foundations of Mechanics" by Marsden are all good options. For quantum mechanics, "Ballentine" is highly recommended, along with "Introductory Quantum Mechanics" by Liboff and "Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics" by Neumann. However, for a more rigorous approach, it is suggested to first study measure/integration theory and functional analysis before delving into "Strocchi."
  • #1
Reedeegi
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0
Is there a mathematically rigorous book that covers both classical and quantum mechanics? If so, what is the book?
 
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  • #2
You're better off getting two separate books.
 
  • #4
Ballentine is excellent, but it should be your third book on QM, not your first. Griffiths and Isham are good choices for the first two books. However, if you want want to see every relevant theorem stated and proved, you need to study some measure/integration theory and then functional analysis (e.g. Kreyszig or Sunder). After that, I suggest Strocchi.
 
  • #5
How mathematically rigorous?

Classical Mechanics
Introductory: Mechanics: From Newton's Laws to Deterministic Chaos-Scheck
More advanced: Introduction to Mechanics and Symmetry- J.E. Marsden
Foundations of Mechanics- J.E. Marsden

Quantum Mechanics
Ballentine, as others mentioned
Introductory Quantum Mechanics-Liboff
Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics-Neumann

EDIT: Liboff is considered an introductory text but a much superior one than, let's say, Griffiths.
 
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1. What is the difference between classical and quantum mechanics?

Classical mechanics is the study of the motion of macroscopic objects, while quantum mechanics is the study of the behavior of microscopic particles. Classical mechanics follows deterministic laws, while quantum mechanics involves probabilistic behavior. Additionally, classical mechanics can be described using continuous variables, while quantum mechanics uses discrete quantities.

2. Why is quantum mechanics considered to be more accurate than classical mechanics?

Quantum mechanics takes into account the wave-particle duality of matter, which is not accounted for in classical mechanics. It also explains phenomena such as quantum tunneling and wave interference, which cannot be explained by classical mechanics. Therefore, quantum mechanics is considered to be more accurate in describing the behavior of matter at a microscopic level.

3. Can classical and quantum mechanics be applied to the same systems?

Yes, classical and quantum mechanics can be applied to the same systems, but they provide different levels of accuracy. Classical mechanics is a good approximation for macroscopic objects, while quantum mechanics is necessary for accurate predictions at the microscopic level. In some cases, classical mechanics can also be derived from quantum mechanics as a limiting case.

4. What are the key principles of quantum mechanics?

The key principles of quantum mechanics include superposition, uncertainty principle, and wave-particle duality. Superposition states that a system can exist in multiple states simultaneously, uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty, and wave-particle duality states that all particles have both wave-like and particle-like properties.

5. How is the Schrödinger equation used in quantum mechanics?

The Schrödinger equation is the fundamental equation of quantum mechanics, which describes the time evolution of a quantum system. It is used to calculate the probability of finding a particle in a certain state at a given time. It takes into account the potential energy of the system and the wave function of the particle, and can be solved to determine the allowed energy levels of a system.

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