Books recommendation for understanding quantum world

[TeCNoYoTTa]

Physics is not my area so I don't have solid background to understand complex books, I am searching for books to introduce me to quantum physics that I can understand. Can you please recommend any books for me.

 

[Meir Achuz]

You need a 'solid background' to start quantum physics.
Otherwise, you are led by the conflicting confusions of 'popular' treatments.

 

[TeCNoYoTTa]

You need a 'solid background' to start quantum physics.
Otherwise, you are led by the conflicting confusions of 'popular' treatments.

Thanks alot, In your opinion what are the minimum requirements and prerequisites to start learning about quantum physics.

My major is computer science and I am interested in quantum physics in general and also interested about the quantum computing.

 

[f95toli]

"How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog" by Chad Orzel is a pretty good pop-sci introduction.

The problem with doing it "properly" is that you need to have the right background (mainly maths), and even then it takes a long time to learn even the basics.

There is nothing wrong with pop-sci, as long as you remember that you that no popular description can ever give you the full picture.

 

[mikeph]

Differential geometry (to the point of understanding differential operators), imaginary numbers, matrix algebra, plus a little bit of differential equations so the Schrodinger equation solutions make some sense.

I learned from A.C.Phillips, if you want a textbook with a bit of a narrative to it.

 

[Nugatory]

Differential geometry (to the point of understanding differential operators), imaginary numbers, matrix algebra, plus a little bit of differential equations so the Schrodinger equation solutions make some sense.

And of course a solid grounding in classical mechanics.

 

[Fredrik]

There are lots of similar threads in the books forum, so I suggest you do a search. I will move this thread there. Edit: Apparently someone else did that while I was typing that.

 

[micromass]

Differential geometry (to the point of understanding differential operators), imaginary numbers, matrix algebra, plus a little bit of differential equations so the Schrodinger equation solutions make some sense.

I learned from A.C.Phillips, if you want a textbook with a bit of a narrative to it.

You won't need differential geometry for QM. Not for the level the OP is searching for anyway.

 

[Charles Wilson]

Wilczek, Frank, _Longing for the Harmonies.
Gilder, Louisa, _The Age of Entanglement_

LOTS of _Scientific American_ issues, including "Helium3 Superfluids, June 1990.
Special Issue, _Science in the 20th Century_, including authors Einstein, Schrodinger, Weinberg, Guth & Steinhardt, Feldman & Steinberger, Scrhramm & Steigman and wonderful article, "The Mystery of the Cosmological Constant" by Larry Abbott.

SciAm is a great resource.

CW

 

[bhobba]

You won't need differential geometry for QM. Not for the level the OP is searching for anyway.

I was just about to mention that. I know it from studying GR - but QM - well some advanced mathematical approaches such as Varadarajan - Geometry Of Quantum Theory do use it but that is at a level even beyond my go to book - Ballentine - QM - A Modern Development.

My suggestion is the following sequence:

To brush up on Classical Mechanics, Calculus and provide the necessary background - Susskund - Theoretical Minimum:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/046502811X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

The Structure And Interpretation Of Quantum Mechanics By Hughes to start with:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0674843924/?tag=pfamazon01-20

QM Demystified to get your sea legs at an intermediate level so to speak:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/046502811X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Then onto my go to book - Ballentine - QM - A Modern Development:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/9810241054/?tag=pfamazon01-20

If after that you are still keen get Varadarajan - Geometry Of Quantum Theory:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387493859/?tag=pfamazon01-20

But that is very advanced mathematically and many people (I am not one of them but then again I would classify myself as more along the lines of a mathematical physicist) will say its not even really a QM book - its really math.

Thanks
Bill