[Quantum mechanics] How about this book?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks on quantum mechanics, particularly focusing on Gennaro Auletta's book and its suitability for beginners. Participants also share their experiences with various other quantum physics texts and resources.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about Auletta's book being suitable for absolute beginners, suggesting it may not be the best choice.
  • Recommendations for other textbooks include "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by David J. Griffiths and "Principles of Quantum Mechanics" by Shankar, with some participants favoring Griffiths for its clarity.
  • Jim Khalili's "What is Quantum" is mentioned as a non-technical alternative, while Mark Srednicki's book is noted for those interested in Quantum Field Theory.
  • There is a discussion about John Townsend's books, with some participants stating that they found them useful, while others prefer Shankar's work.
  • Several participants mention the need for solutions or help with specific problems from Shankar's book, indicating ongoing challenges with the material.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of Griffiths and Shankar's texts, but there is no consensus on Auletta's book for beginners. The discussion includes multiple competing views on the best resources for learning quantum mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight limitations in certain textbooks, such as the lack of mathematical formalism in Griffiths' book, and there are unresolved questions regarding specific problems in Shankar's text.

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Gennaro Auletta's Quantum Mechanics, any of you folks read this book before? Is it okay for beginners?


Also, can anyone please recommend me one or two textbooks on quantum physics? It's better be employed by well-renowned American universities/colleges. And the authors better be American or English. The authors of the book I mentioned in the prior paragraph are all Italians.

Thanks in advance.
 
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I personally just finished the Feynman lectures in the book QED: The strange theory of light and matter. I found that one fascinating and finished all four lectures in four days.

Also, Brian Cox recently released a fascinating book, Why does E=mc^2, and why should I care. This one is heavier in relativity and less on quantum theory, but he does go into both. He stays out of the math, which depending on your perspective may be a good thing or a bad thing. I definitely consider this one a good starting point.

Lastly, if you haven't already, Microsoft has released all 7 feynman messenger lectures online for free. Definitely worth a watch.
http://research.microsoft.com/apps/tools/tuva/
 
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As far as technical books I would first recommend "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by David J. Griffiths followed by "Principles of Quantum Mechanics" by Shankar.

Jim Khalili's, "What is Quantum" is a wonderful non-technical book.

For Quantum Field Theory I'm currently reading the textbook by Mark Srednicki.
 
How about Quantun Mechanics:An Introduction by David Griffth?
 
kakarotyjn said:
How about Quantun Mechanics:An Introduction by David Griffth?

Already recommended above: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0131911759/?tag=pfamazon01-20

It's a great book for a first technical experience in quantum mechanics. Griffith's explains things very well, but does not present the all the mathematical formalism that needs to be presented. (i.e. The book is very weak with Dirac notation.)

Has anyone had any experience with Townshend? (Spelling?) I hear it's a decent "pre- Sakurai" book at an undergraduate level.
 
Griffith's/Shankar -> Sakurai
 
Feldoh said:
Griffith's/Shankar -> Sakurai

Or Griffith's/Shankar -> Ballentine
G01 said:
Has anyone had any experience with Townshend? (Spelling?) I hear it's a decent "pre- Sakurai" book at an undergraduate level.

John Townsend has written two quantum books. I think that mean you mean A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1891389130/?tag=pfamazon01-20,

not Quantum Physics: A Fundamental Approach to Quantum Physics,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1891389629/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

A few years ago, A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics was in the library of the school I was then at, and I quickly leafed through it a few times. It looked to be very interesting, but this is a very personal, very quick opinion. You might want to take a look at parts of this book, including its preface, in Google Books,

http://books.google.com/books?id=3_...dq=townsend+quantum&cd=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false.
 
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We used Townsend at my school. I, and most others, liked it a lot (although I still think Shankar is better).
 
  • #10
nicksauce said:
We used Townsend at my school. I, and most others, liked it a lot (although I still think Shankar is better).



hi everyone,
have you got any link for shankar's solution?
I have some problems with "addition of angular momentums"!
:cry:
 
  • #11
shadi_s10 said:
hi everyone,
have you got any link for shankar's solution?
I have some problems with "addition of angular momentums"!
:cry:

Isn't this against the forum rules?
 
  • #12
I don't think so!
I have a problem with problem 15.3.3
and some other problems in this chapter
help me please! exams coming!
 
  • #13
LithiumHelios said:
Auletta's book is quite nice (it's not with me right now but back at uni) but I'm not sure I would recommend it for absolute beginners. Instead look at texts such as those by http://www.amazon.com/dp/0470853247/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

I recommend these exact same three books. If you work your way through these, you'll know quantum mechanics. The Betts & Davies book is great for conceptual understanding, while the Griffiths book gives you problems, & a more solid mathematical introduction to work with, Philips on the other hand is a mixture of both & is a bit unique in it's presentation.
 
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