Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the comparison of two quantum mechanics textbooks: "Quantum Mechanics" by Cohen-Tannoudji and "Principles of Quantum Mechanics" by Shankar. Participants explore the strengths and weaknesses of each book, including their comprehensiveness, exercise quality, and suitability as references for undergraduate courses.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Homework-related
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant inquires about the pros and cons of choosing either Cohen-Tannoudji or Shankar, specifically regarding exercise quality and thoroughness in covering the undergraduate course.
- Another participant suggests consulting a teacher for recommendations, indicating that exercises may depend on the course structure.
- Some participants mention that Cohen-Tannoudji's book appears more comprehensive based on Amazon reviews, while others express a preference for Shankar.
- A participant mentions owning Sakurai's textbook but believes Shankar may be a better choice.
- Recommendations for supplementary materials include problem and solutions books and Schaum's outline for exercises.
- One participant questions whether the 2006 two-volume set of Cohen-Tannoudji includes new content or only corrections to errors.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing opinions on which textbook is superior, with no consensus reached on the best choice. Some favor Cohen-Tannoudji for its comprehensiveness, while others prefer Shankar for its approach.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference external reviews and personal experiences, but the discussion lacks definitive conclusions about the textbooks' relative merits.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be useful for students deciding between quantum mechanics textbooks, educators seeking recommendations, and those looking for supplementary materials for self-study.