Best introductory quantum physics textbooks

[Nanas]

I wish to learn Quantum Physics and I want you to guide me to a book in Quantum Physics.

Thank you.

 

[hitmeoff]

Need a little more than that.

At what level do you want to learn QP?
What level of math/physics have you learned?

We can go from "popular" books like QED by Feynman all the way to grad level books like Sakurai's Advanced Quantum Mechanics, or even beyond.

Fair warning before a bunch of people begin to chime in with "Griffiths!": Griffiths is fine for someone whose ready to tackle QM at the level of junior/senior physics major. So in order to properly guide you, we need to know a bit about your background and where you want to end up.

 

[Jobrag]

Try this, In Search of Schrödinger's Cat: Quantum Physics And Reality by John gribben

 

[majg123]

please tell me what QED stands for? or it's just QED?

 

[dark_raider]

QED is the title of the book. It stands for quantum electrodynamics.

 

[Nanas]

I can't detremine my level in Mathematics but all I can tell you that I am reading(Calculus Early Transcendentals By james stewart Sixth Edition(I don't Know if this book is good)
Now I am reading in Calaculus based physics.

 

[Nanas]

Can I have an answer Please ?

 

[Nanas]

Why you didn't help me ?

 

[hitmeoff]

You calculus based physics book probably has a section on Modern Physics which will include material on QM which should be on your level. And you CAN determine your level of math, since you are reading a calculus text, then you are learning calculus, that's your level of math.

You still have not stated what your goal is in learning QM. Do you want to learn it at the level of a physics major? do you want to learn it at conversational level? professional level?

Again, I could just spout off "GRIFFITHS!" which is the default recommendation fi you want to learn it at the level of physics major.

Heres some ideas:

QED - Feynman - Conversational Level
Conceptual Physics - Hewitt - College Course at the level for non-science majors
College Physics Vol 2 - Serway - College level course, that uses trig and algebra, for non-Physical Science Majors (ie. Bio majors)

Physics for Scientist and Engineer (with Modern Physics) - Anyone - What I mean by "Anyone" I mean any text with this title by Halliday/Resnick, Serway, etc. University Physics (with Modern Physics) by Young and Freedman also works. These texts use calculus, and are the standard introduction to Physics at a freshman level.

If your calc-based physics book does not have a "Modern Physics" section, but you like it anyway, then consider:
Understanding Quantum Mechanics - Morrison or
Modern Physics - Taylor - An entire book dedicated to QM at the freshman/sophomore level, using not much more than Calc and very basic Differential equations.

You can also consider Vol II/III of The Feynman Lectures in Physics which are at the level of the above two books, but approaches learning QM from a different point of view. I think these are more of the "supplemental reading" type rather than "sole reading" material.

 

[Nanas]

yes I am reading Physics for Scientist and Engineer (with Modern Physics).

 

[hitmeoff]

yes I am reading Physics for Scientist and Engineer (with Modern Physics).

Then you are set...when you are done with that, you can go with Understanding.. by Morrison, or try your hand at Griffiths

 

[Nanas]

Thank you for helping me.

 

[Samo84]

Hello Nanas,

-1- At first for beginners i suggest this book, it starts from the very basics and provide worked examples and solved problems, so you can get a hand on solving quantum physics problems:
Quantum Mechanics, Concepts and Applications , by Nouredine Zettili edition Wiley

Side to side with that book i suggest watching professor: Leonard Susskind Lectures, they are available for free on youtube by Stanford University, the playlist of all the lectures is on this link : http://www.youtube.com/user/StanfordUniversity#g/c/84C10A9CB1D13841"

-2- As my friend physicists suggested "Griffiths" book is nice as well :
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, by David Griffiths edition Prentice Hall


If you want more specified titles like more solved problems books and more advanced and conceptual approaches to the quantum physics, just ask :)

 

[Nanas]

so,you think that "Griffths" is better for me.

Thank you for helping

 

[Samo84]

griffiths is good for you as a second stage, but at first Nouredine Zettili book and Susskind Lectures are a good start