Learning Quantum Mechanics - A Guide for Physics A-Levelers with Math Background

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around resources and methods for learning quantum mechanics (QM), particularly aimed at individuals with a background in mathematics and A-level physics. Participants share their experiences, suggest websites, and discuss the foundational concepts of QM.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests recommendations for websites to learn QM, noting their strong math background and current studies in general relativity (GR).
  • Another participant asks about the original poster's specific skills in QM topics such as the Schrödinger equation and operators.
  • Several participants suggest that books are preferable for learning QM, but also provide links to online resources.
  • A humorous analogy is presented by one participant, suggesting that understanding QM involves a metaphorical experience of intoxication and measurement, which they claim worked for them.
  • Another participant echoes the humorous analogy, affirming its effectiveness while also questioning the seriousness of the comparison.
  • A participant describes their A-level experience with QM concepts like the Planck constant and de Broglie wavelength, expressing uncertainty about more advanced topics like the wave equation.
  • One participant mentions their nascent understanding of GR, indicating they are still in the early stages of learning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions on the best methods for learning QM, with no consensus on whether online resources or books are superior. The humorous analogy about learning QM is met with both agreement and skepticism, indicating a lack of uniformity in perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants' discussions reflect varying levels of familiarity with QM concepts, and some express uncertainty about specific topics. The conversation also highlights the subjective nature of learning experiences and the role of humor in discussing complex subjects.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for A-level students or individuals with a strong math background seeking resources and insights on learning quantum mechanics.

PhiJ
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Does anyone know any websites which I can use to learn QM?
I have (almost) an A-level of physics, but know more maths than that. I am doing loads of background maths reading and GR is what I am learning that is about at the limit of my knowlage.
Thanks :smile:
 
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What's your skill? (Schrödinger equation, Dirac equation, operators, harmonic oscillator, Greens function, S-Matrix, ...)?

I mean what do you actually know?
 
I think the best is a good book, but if you look only for internet sites there are also some:

http://electron6.phys.utk.edu/phys594/Tools/qm/summary/qm.htm

http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys3220/3220_fa97/notes/notes_table.html
 
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If you are good in math and in GR; there is only one way to ``learn´´ quantum mechanics. You go to a bar and drink yourself Lazarus until you see your pint doubled; at that moment in time you must realize that God is in the same intoxicated state as you are on the microscale. We, humans, understand this by means of the Schroedinger wave. Now, suppose the bartender poors a bucket of water over you (of course you shake your head and so on in the process) to sober you up: suddenly you can only locate (to your distress) one pint. This is what copenhagers call measurement. If you understood this, then the rest is math and that usually poses less problems :biggrin:
 
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Careful said:
If you are good in math and in GR; there is only one way to ``learn´´ quantum mechanics. You go to a bar and drink yourself Lazarus until you see your pint doubled; at that moment in time you must realize that God is in the same intoxicated state as you are on the microscale. We, humans, understand this by means of the Schroedinger wave. Now, suppose the bartendender poors a bucket of water over you (of course you shake your head and so on in the process) to sober you up: suddenly you can only locate (to your distress) one pint. This is what copenhagers call measurement. If you understood this, then the rest is math and that usually poses less problems :biggrin:

That's exactly how *I* learned QM ! It works, btw. :biggrin:
 
vanesch said:
That's exactly how *I* learned QM ! It works, btw. :biggrin:
Yes, I know it is priceless advise :smile: However, I think God is not a drunken fool after all :smile:
 
What's your skill?[\QUOTE]

In A-level we do the plank constant, work function, and de broglie wavelength. I havn't done the wave equation, and I think I started looking for a site before, and you had to know that, whatever it is. I've read some of QED by Feynman, but that goes into the concepts, not the maths. I could do the maths for some of his concepts with light traveling in a straight line, but if I try to include when it wants to go around corners, that goes beyond me.

If you are good in math and in GR[\QUOTE]
Well, I've only started learning GR, but I understand what I have read. :smile:

Thanks for the help, will read sugested sites.
 
PhiJ said:
What's your skill?[\QUOTE]
If you are good in math and in GR[\QUOTE]
Well, I've only started learning GR, but I understand what I have read. :smile:
Thanks for the help, will read sugested sites.
That's good, all wisdom starts from simple examples :devil:
 

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