- #1
skywolf
- 81
- 0
ok, so i used to think i new my share of quantum phyisics, but apparently i dont, soooooo, id like to know if anyone knew a good place to start
Knew my share of quantum phyisics
- Context: Graduate
- Thread starter skywolf
- Start date
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- Tags
- Quantum
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the challenges and resources for learning quantum physics and calculus, particularly from the perspective of someone who feels they lack foundational knowledge. Participants share recommendations for books and approaches to learning these subjects.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Homework-related, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses a desire to start learning quantum physics but feels they lack sufficient knowledge.
- Another participant asks for clarification on the individual's current understanding of quantum physics.
- Several participants recommend various books for beginners, including "QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter" by Richard Feynman, "The Emperor's New Mind" by Roger Penrose, and "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene.
- There is a distinction made between textbooks that require mathematical knowledge and more accessible books that may lack mathematical rigor, which could lead to misunderstandings.
- A participant shares their experience with Feynman's works and acknowledges the confusion that can arise from math-heavy texts.
- Another participant suggests a method for learning calculus, emphasizing the importance of practice and reviewing material over time.
- One participant expresses interest in learning calculus but is unsure where to begin, prompting suggestions for independent study options.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the value of certain books and the importance of understanding the mathematical foundations of quantum physics and calculus. However, there is no consensus on the best starting point for learning calculus, as different approaches are suggested.
Contextual Notes
Some participants mention the potential for misleading interpretations when engaging with readable books that lack mathematical depth. There is also an acknowledgment of the varying levels of mathematical knowledge among participants, which influences their recommendations.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in learning quantum physics or calculus, particularly those who feel they lack foundational knowledge or are looking for accessible resources.
- #2
Gonzolo
What do you "think you knew"? Where are you at?
- #3
skywolf
- 81
- 0
basically as newbie as you can get, while still knowing that it exists.
- #4
- 10,876
- 423
There are plenty of books that you can read. One of the best (and also thinnest, and least expensive) is "QED: The strange theory of light and matter", by Richard Feynman.
There are several other books explain QM in a way that's supposed to be easy to understand, for example "The emperor's new mind", by Roger Penrose, and "The elegant universe", by Brian Greene.
There are several other books explain QM in a way that's supposed to be easy to understand, for example "The emperor's new mind", by Roger Penrose, and "The elegant universe", by Brian Greene.
- #5
hi_rudra
- 5
- 0
Heeeeeeeelllllllppppp
there r a lot of good book.for an amature,the best is lectures on physics by Feynman.or in lill,advanced level,Mrezbeckers book
there r a lot of good book.for an amature,the best is lectures on physics by Feynman.or in lill,advanced level,Mrezbeckers book
- #6
Gonzolo
There are basically 2 kinds of books :
Textbooks, which you can read when you know the math (which ones are best for you depend on where you are in math, and physics).
Readable books (with little or no math), which you can find at the better, regular bookstores. These are good, but be careful, they can be be misleading, i.e. parallel universes, time travel, multi-dimensions etc. can be wrongly interpreted when the math is absent.
Textbooks, which you can read when you know the math (which ones are best for you depend on where you are in math, and physics).
Readable books (with little or no math), which you can find at the better, regular bookstores. These are good, but be careful, they can be be misleading, i.e. parallel universes, time travel, multi-dimensions etc. can be wrongly interpreted when the math is absent.
- #7
skywolf
- 81
- 0
yeah, I've read other books by feynman.
and yeah. ur right. math books are confusing.
i want to learn calculus, but i don't know where to start
and yeah. ur right. math books are confusing.
i want to learn calculus, but i don't know where to start
- #8
Gonzolo
Woah, I didn't say math books were necessarily confusing, they are not when you know the math they use. Swokowski is how you really learn calculus.
- #9
danitaber
- 27
- 0
skywolf said:
Skywolf,
Are you currently in school? If so, many, many arrangements can be made by the faculty to "zoom you through", including, at many schools, independent study math courses to give you the pre-calc background.
If you are not in school, or if you'd rather do it on your own, I could suggest my own approach to learning new subjects: Start with a text, any text, and go until you get stuck. Then find a new text, rehash the stuff you've already done, and see if the new text explains it better. Word of warning: Calculus requires practice, which means doing problems. I hate it, but I regularly (every year or two) go back and review my calc, linear algebra, ODE, Analytic Geometry, Statistics, etc. and actually do some problems and take notes of things I have forgotten.
And if you want help let me know.
- #10
skywolf
- 81
- 0
thanks, ill try the Swokowski method, if that's still too confusing, then ill find some sort of independent study
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