Undergrad Building intuition for Quantum Mechanics

Click For Summary
Self-teaching physics can be challenging, especially in grasping quantum mechanics and general relativity due to the reliance on mathematical concepts over intuitive understanding. Resources that focus on quantum phenomena and experiments can aid in building intuition, though some advise prioritizing mathematical mastery first. The book "Quantics: Rudiments of Quantum Physics" is recommended for its combination of experimental facts and accessible math, particularly Dirac notation, which is crucial for understanding quantum mechanics. Engaging with the math is essential, as intuition often develops from a solid mathematical foundation. Overall, a balance of theory and practical examples is key to mastering quantum mechanics.
RubinLicht
Messages
131
Reaction score
8
I've been reading about self teaching physics (mainly because the college curriculum is too slow to get me to any meaningful level of understanding at the end of four years), and an issue was brought up about lack of intuition in quantum mechanics/GR, and depending too much on the math.

I was wondering if there are books or other resources that are purely collections of quantum phenomena or experiments, which I can then use to "build my intuition" regarding what actually happens, and work through how individual topics work together to make something happen.

Also, other advice on how to build intuition in general helps too.

I think it may be possible that I'm looking for a Flying circus of physics" type book for quantum mechanics.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I would advise against trying to first build up an intuition about QM. Work with the math as much as you can, and the intuition will come as a result. You will find many threads in this forum where people get to the wrong answer by relying on their intuition instead of some firmer ground.

By the way, by "math" I do not mean anything complicated. Mastering the Dirac notation can take you a long way into understanding QM.
 
  • Like
Likes Vanadium 50 and Derek P
I like this book,

Quantics: Rudiments of Quantum Physics
by https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1?ie=UTF8&text=Jean-Marc+Levy-Leblond&search-alias=books&field-author=Jean-Marc+Levy-Leblond&sort=relevancerank&tag=pfamazon01-20 (Author), https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_2?ie=UTF8&text=Francoise+Balibar&search-alias=books&field-author=Francoise+Balibar&sort=relevancerank&tag=pfamazon01-20 (Author), https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_3?ie=UTF8&text=S.+Twareque+Ali&search-alias=books&field-author=S.+Twareque+Ali&sort=relevancerank&tag=pfamazon01-20 (Translator)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0444881204/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Less than $30. Lots of experimental quantum mechanical "facts" along with the math that explains these facts. Check out the book if you can.
 
Time reversal invariant Hamiltonians must satisfy ##[H,\Theta]=0## where ##\Theta## is time reversal operator. However, in some texts (for example see Many-body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics an introduction, HENRIK BRUUS and KARSTEN FLENSBERG, Corrected version: 14 January 2016, section 7.1.4) the time reversal invariant condition is introduced as ##H=H^*##. How these two conditions are identical?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K