Best book reference for studying quantum physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for books on quantum physics, exploring various texts suitable for different levels of understanding, from introductory to advanced. Participants share their personal favorites and suggest resources for studying both quantum physics and quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Marco Uscanga seeks recommendations for the best book for studying quantum physics.
  • One participant suggests free introductory notes by Braam Gaasbeek and mentions standard texts like French and Taylor, Griffiths, and Zettili as starting points.
  • Another participant recommends "Quantum Physics" by Eyvind H. Wichmann for an introduction to quantum physics.
  • Bill mentions Balentine's book as a good choice for advanced quantum mechanics but clarifies it is not suitable for beginners, suggesting Susskind's book for introductory study instead.
  • Another participant echoes the importance of distinguishing between quantum physics and quantum mechanics and recommends Eisberg Resnick and Schumacher Westmoreland for modern introductions.
  • A participant shares their preference for Griffiths' "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics," highlighting its intuitive approach and practical examples.
  • One participant recommends Cohen-Tannoudji, noting its completeness and precision, while acknowledging its difficulty.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the best resources for studying quantum physics, with no consensus on a single recommended text. Different levels of difficulty and focus areas are acknowledged.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the suitability of different texts for beginners versus advanced learners, indicating a lack of agreement on a definitive starting point for studying quantum physics.

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Dear mates:

Please recommend me the best book for studying quantum physics.

With all the best

Marco Uscanga
 
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There are good free introductory notes by Braam Gaasbeek: http://arxiv.org/abs/1007.4184.

You can use any standard texts like French and Taylor, Griffiths, Zettili etc to start.

After that take a look at Shankar, Sakurai and Napolitano, and Nielsen and Chuang.

And after that take a look at Landau and Lifshitz or Weinberg.

Of course you don't have to read them in that order.
 
Last edited:
Quantum physics, or quantum mechanics?

For an introduction to quantum physics I recommend:
Quantum Physics (Berkeley Physics Course, Volume 4), by Eyvind H. Wichmann.
 
Here I've seen a lot of people referring to Balentine's book... I guess it's good for more advanced QM...
 
ChrisVer said:
Here I've seen a lot of people referring to Balentine's book... I guess it's good for more advanced QM...

IMHO it is indeed the best graduate level text and had a strong effect on me.

But be clear - introductory it aren't.

At an introductory level I recommend Susskind:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465036678/?tag=pfamazon01-20

There are also video lectures to go with it.

Thanks
Bill
 
Last edited by a moderator:
UltrafastPED said:
Quantum physics, or quantum mechanics?
Good question, it is always useful to distinguish these two different but related topics.

UltrafastPED said:
For an introduction to quantum physics I recommend:
Quantum Physics (Berkeley Physics Course, Volume 4), by Eyvind H. Wichmann.
My recommendation is Eisberg Resnick:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/047187373X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

For a modern introduction to quantum mechanics, I recommend Schumacher Westmoreland:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/052187534X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
Last edited by a moderator:
My personal favorite for beginners:
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, by D.Griffiths

Very nice and intuitive guide though all the key concepts of quantum mechanics, especially in the first two chapters where it becomes clear what QM is actually all about! It also provides numerous examples and problems so you can practice your understanding.
 
I am reading Cohen-Tannoudji and I strongly recommend it.
It is complete and precise, but of course not easy to understand
 

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