Any good CHEAP quantum physics text books?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around finding affordable quantum physics textbooks suitable for someone with intermediate knowledge. Participants share recommendations and strategies for acquiring these texts economically.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests Griffiths as a readable option and recommends looking for second-hand copies or discussing acquisitions with librarians.
  • Another participant raises a question about the original poster's level of knowledge, asking for specifics on their math and physics background.
  • A suggestion is made to consider international versions of textbooks, which are cheaper but may have different formatting.
  • Participants mention Amazon as a resource for purchasing textbooks, while another recommends Alibris for used textbooks at lower prices.
  • Park's quantum mechanics book is noted as being relatively inexpensive, particularly due to the Dover reissue affecting used prices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for affordable options but present multiple competing suggestions regarding specific textbooks and purchasing methods. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best choice for the original poster's needs.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions depend on the availability of specific editions and the condition of used books. There is also a lack of consensus on the best textbook for intermediate learners.

libbon
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I'm just looking for an affordable quantum physics textbook, I am not quite a beginner at this, maybe intermediate if you call it.
 
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I recommend Griffiths, it's very readable. If you need cheap, search the online stores for a second hand paperback, or talk about acquisitions with your librarian. Or if your situation is really extreme, perhaps write to the author for blessing to just download it in djvu form from somewhere with weak intellectual protectionism law. My point is that in the long run we're probably all better off with you getting a well-recognised modern textbook rather than trying to make do with perhaps worse information.
 
Last edited:
libbon said:
im not quite a beginner at this, maybe intermediate if you call it.

Can you define this more precisely? What math and physics do you know already?
 
Can't give you any specifics, but look around for the international versions of texts. Black and white, and it's printed like a phone book, but eveything's there, and they're far cheaper than the normal editions.
 
thank you everybody
 
would amazon be a good online resource for buying one?
 
Amazon's good, but check out Alibris as well, people sell used textbooks on there for pennies on the dollar.
 
Park's QM book is pretty cheap. The Dover reissue seems to have driven down the used hardcover price as well.
 

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