Book recommendations for learning QM

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on recommendations for books to learn quantum mechanics, particularly for those who have a basic understanding and seek to deepen their knowledge without delving too deeply into advanced mathematics. The scope includes theoretical insights and practical applications of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in further learning quantum mechanics and seeks book recommendations that balance explanations and equations without requiring extensive mathematical background.
  • Another participant recommends "Feynman's QED - The Strange Theory Of Light And Matter" and G. Venkataraman's "The Quantum Revolution" series, suggesting these as accessible options.
  • A different participant suggests "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by David Griffiths, noting that the third edition is preferable and that the book is understandable even for those with limited math backgrounds.
  • One contributor emphasizes the necessity of calculus for understanding Susskind's work and recommends a specific calculus book, asserting that it can be learned relatively quickly and is beneficial for further studies in physics.
  • This same participant lists a progression of books including Griffiths, Sakurai, Boas, and Ballentine, indicating a structured approach to learning quantum mechanics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple recommendations and perspectives on the necessity of calculus and the suitability of various texts, indicating that there is no consensus on a single best approach or book for learning quantum mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of calculus for certain texts, while others suggest that it may not be strictly necessary for all recommended books. The discussion reflects varying levels of mathematical preparedness among participants.

Quantum_C
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Dear All,
I am interested in learning quantum mechanics for curiosity.
I know the basics from different sources and I've read the Quantum Mechanics (the theoretical minimum) book for Leonard Susskind and Art Friedman. What would you recommend as a book to further understand and learn quantum mechanics ?
I am looking for a nice book with explanations and equations but I do not need/want to go very deep in mathematics.
Any recommendations ?

Many thanks.

With kind regards
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Feynman's QED - The Strange Theory Of Light And Matter

G. Venkataraman's The Quantum Revolution series:
Volume 1 - The Breakthrough
Volume 2 - QED - The Jewel of Physics
Volume 3 - What is Reality?
 
I would recommend Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David Griffiths.

If you can get the third edition do it but the second is also great and available online (including problems and solutions).

I started learning QM from it and even my Math background is far from great I could understand the Math on it because every fundamental concept (in my opinion of course) is treated in detail.
 
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Susskind is good as you know:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465062903/?tag=pfamazon01-20

You do need calculus though. I often recommend the following for that, but since I have a degree in math just looked at an an online copy rather than got one. But as I suggest it so much got a copy - its even better than than I thought it would be:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471827223/?tag=pfamazon01-20

You can do it in a weekend. In the US system you just need algebra and geometry, in Australia grade 9 or even grade 8 math is enough. I honestly believe calculus can be taught a lot earlier than it usually is, but that is another story.

Its good enough background for Boas's book on mathematics for physicists, engineers etc:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471198269/?tag=pfamazon01-20

You do not need it for Susskind, or probably even Griffiths, but beyond that its probably a good idea to do that first.

My suggestion is Griffith's, then Sakuari:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805382917/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Then Boas, then Ballentine:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805382917/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Thanks
Bill
 
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bhobba said:
Susskind is good as you know:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465062903/?tag=pfamazon01-20

You do need calculus though. I often recommend the following for that, but since I have a degree in math just looked at an an online copy rather than got one. But as I suggest it so much got a copy - its even better than than I thought it would be:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471827223/?tag=pfamazon01-20

You can do it in a weekend. In the US system you just need algebra and geometry, in Australia grade 9 or even grade 8 math is enough. I honestly believe calculus can be taught a lot earlier than it usually is, but that is another story.

Its good enough background for Boas's book on mathematics for physicists, engineers etc:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471198269/?tag=pfamazon01-20

You do not need it for Susskind, or probably even Griffiths, but beyond that its probably a good idea to do that first.

My suggestion is Griffith's, then Sakuari:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805382917/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Then Boas, then Ballentine:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805382917/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Thanks
Bill
Really great advise.
 
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