Book on Classical and Quantum Mechanics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a mathematically rigorous book that covers both classical and quantum mechanics. Participants explore various texts and their suitability based on the level of mathematical rigor and the intended audience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that it may be better to acquire two separate books for classical and quantum mechanics.
  • Another participant questions the definition of 'mathematically rigorous' and provides links to specific books for quantum and classical mechanics.
  • A participant recommends Ballentine for quantum mechanics but advises that it should not be the first book on the subject, suggesting Griffiths and Isham as better initial choices.
  • Some participants propose that a deeper understanding of measure/integration theory and functional analysis is necessary for a rigorous study of quantum mechanics, recommending texts like Kreyszig or Sunder, followed by Strocchi.
  • For classical mechanics, various texts are mentioned, including "Mechanics: From Newton's Laws to Deterministic Chaos" by Scheck for introductory levels and "Introduction to Mechanics and Symmetry" and "Foundations of Mechanics" by J.E. Marsden for more advanced study.
  • In quantum mechanics, besides Ballentine, "Introductory Quantum Mechanics" by Liboff and "Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics" by Neumann are also suggested, with a note that Liboff is considered superior to Griffiths for introductory texts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the necessity of separate texts for classical and quantum mechanics, the definition of mathematical rigor, and the suitability of various recommended books. No consensus is reached on a single book that meets all criteria.

Contextual Notes

Participants' recommendations depend on their interpretations of mathematical rigor and the intended audience's background. Some suggestions imply prerequisites in advanced mathematics that may not be universally applicable.

Reedeegi
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Is there a mathematically rigorous book that covers both classical and quantum mechanics? If so, what is the book?
 
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You're better off getting two separate books.
 
Ballentine is excellent, but it should be your third book on QM, not your first. Griffiths and Isham are good choices for the first two books. However, if you want want to see every relevant theorem stated and proved, you need to study some measure/integration theory and then functional analysis (e.g. Kreyszig or Sunder). After that, I suggest Strocchi.
 
How mathematically rigorous?

Classical Mechanics
Introductory: Mechanics: From Newton's Laws to Deterministic Chaos-Scheck
More advanced: Introduction to Mechanics and Symmetry- J.E. Marsden
Foundations of Mechanics- J.E. Marsden

Quantum Mechanics
Ballentine, as others mentioned
Introductory Quantum Mechanics-Liboff
Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics-Neumann

EDIT: Liboff is considered an introductory text but a much superior one than, let's say, Griffiths.
 
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