Learn Quantum Mechanics Basics - Merzbatcher

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for introductory books on quantum mechanics, particularly for those who wish to understand the subject from the basics before tackling Merzbacher's text. The focus is on identifying accessible resources that cover foundational concepts in quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest Griffiths' "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" as a good starting point due to its accessibility.
  • Others propose alternatives such as Sakurai, Landau & Lifschitz, and von Neumann's "Die Mathematische Grundlagen der Quantenmechanik" for a deeper mathematical understanding.
  • One participant mentions McGervey and Liboff as additional options, noting that Cohen and Tannoudji has a layout that may not be preferred by everyone.
  • Messiah is highlighted as a strong text, while some participants consider Merzbacher and Schiff to be at a similar level of complexity.
  • There is a mention of the varying levels of mathematical rigor in different texts, with von Neumann being described as extremely mathematical.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of Griffiths as a starting point, but there are multiple competing views regarding the best subsequent texts, indicating that preferences vary widely.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations depend on the reader's prior knowledge and comfort with mathematical concepts, which may not be explicitly stated in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in learning the basics of quantum mechanics, particularly students or self-learners seeking introductory texts.

imran
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before reading merzbatcher for quantum mechanics,what is a good book to learn basics as i want to understand quantum mechanics from the basics.
kindly help me in this matter. :confused:
 
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imran said:
before reading merzbatcher for quantum mechanics,what is a good book to learn basics as i want to understand quantum mechanics from the basics.
kindly help me in this matter. :confused:

Good Question... :smile: I find Griffiths,David J.:"Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" the least challanging introductory text...

Good alternatives to Merzbacher's book are Sakurai and Landau & Lifschitz...

If u really want to know why QM is as it is with mathematics,i recommend von Neumann's "Die Mathematische Grundlagen der Quantenmechanik" (the English edition,1955) and a bit more,i think of it as "the bible",J.Prugoveçki:"Quantum Mechanics in Hilbert Space"...

Start with Griffiths...


Daniel.
 
Start with Griffiths or McGervey. From there go on to Liboff or Cohen and Tannoudji which is not too bad (although I do not like th way it is laid out with short chapters and lots of appendicies).

Messiah is one of the best, Sakauri not too bad if you know quite a bit. Mertzbacher and Schiff are about the same level. von Neumann is extremely mathematical.

I would teach a graduate course out of Schiff or Messiah, undergraduate out of McGervey.
 
thanks a lot for ur kind advice.iam indeed more thankful to u both!
 

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