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 a lot, 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 Schrödinger 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 Schrödinger 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 Schrödinger 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, Schrödinger, 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