? is to QM as Jackson is to electrodynamics.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on building a foundational library of classic physics texts, specifically for Quantum Mechanics (QM), statistical physics, and solid state physics. Recommended texts include "Quantum Mechanics" by Galindo & Pascual, "Modern Quantum Mechanics" by J.J. Sakurai, and "Statistical Physics" by Landau & Lifschitz. For solid state physics, "Introduction to Solid State Physics" by Ch. Kittel is suggested as a standard reference. The participants emphasize the importance of selecting texts that align with the reader's mathematical comfort level and learning objectives.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with classical mechanics concepts, specifically from "Classical Mechanics" by Goldstein.
  • Understanding of functional analysis as it pertains to quantum mechanics.
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
  • Awareness of solid state physics principles, particularly as presented in Kittel's texts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Quantum Mechanics" by Galindo & Pascual for foundational QM concepts.
  • Explore "Modern Quantum Mechanics" by J.J. Sakurai to deepen understanding of advanced QM topics.
  • Study "Statistical Physics" by Landau & Lifschitz for a comprehensive view of statistical mechanics.
  • Investigate "Introduction to Solid State Physics" by Ch. Kittel for insights into solid state phenomena.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and researchers seeking to establish a robust library of essential physics texts for advanced studies in quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and solid state physics.

inha
Messages
576
Reaction score
1
I've been planning to get myself a minilibrary consisting of the classic books in various subjects. So far I've decided to get Goldstein for classical mechanics and Jackson for electrodynamics.

On the top of those I think I should have books of "similar status" for QM, statistical physics and solid state physics. Any suggestions?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes,Galindo & Pascual [1].2 volumes.I think Springer editted one edition,back in '90.

The best there is.You could switch to J.J.Sakurai[2],if u don't like functional analysis...:wink:

Springer also published J.Schwinger's [3] course.It is rather good.

As for statistical phsysics,well,for learning/as a textbook (meaning a lot of examples & calculations),i'd say the book on thermo & stat in the Greiner[4] series.For more advanced look,either the 2 volumes in the Landau & Lifschitz [5,6]collection,or K.Huang [7].

For nonequilibrium SM,i'd say R.Balescu's [8]1975 book is good...

Zapper or someone else may give insights into solid state pysics.Kittel's [9]introductory book could be used as a textbook...


Daniel.
-----------------------------------------------------------
[1]Galindo & Pascual,"Quantum Mechanics",Springer Verlag,1990.
[2] J.J.Sakurai,"Modern Quantum Mechanics",Addison-Wesley,2-nd ed.,1993.
[3]J.Schwinger,"Quantum Mechanics",Springer Verlag,2001.
[4]W.Greiner,"Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics",any edition of the 2 published.
[5]L.D.Landau,E.M.Lifschitz,"Statistical Physics",Part I,vol.5 of their course.
[6]L.D.Landau,E.M.Lifschitz,"Statistical Physics",Part II,vol.9 of their course.
[7]K.Haung,"Statistical Mechanics",2-nd ed.,Wiley,1987.
[8]R.Balescu,"Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics",Wiley,1975.
[9]Ch.Kittel,"Introduction to solid state physics" (any edition,preferably the latest).
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll browse through those for a bit to see which I like better.
 
Mermin is the standard for Solid State
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
9K
  • Sticky
  • · Replies 243 ·
9
Replies
243
Views
58K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K