- #1
genome66
- 15
- 0
What are some good introductory books to Quantum theory.
Discover the Best Introductory Books for Quantum Theory | Expert Recommendations
- Thread starter genome66
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- Quantum Quantum theory Theory
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around recommendations for introductory books on quantum theory, with a focus on varying levels of mathematical maturity and foundational knowledge in physics. Participants explore both mathematical and non-mathematical resources, as well as prerequisites for studying quantum mechanics.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that the choice of introductory books depends on the reader's level of mathematical maturity, with Griffiths' Quantum Mechanics often recommended as a standard text.
- One participant inquires about a book that lists and describes various physics equations, particularly those related to quantum theory.
- Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding foundational concepts, such as calculus and classical mechanics, before tackling quantum mechanics.
- Specific recommendations for foundational texts include "University Physics" by Young/Freedman and "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday/Resnick, which introduce modern physics topics at an appropriate level.
- There is a mention of non-mathematical popular science books, such as Brian Greene's "Fabric of the Cosmos," for those seeking a general understanding of quantum mechanics.
- One participant humorously advises against delving into Lagrangian mechanics without a solid grasp of basic calculus concepts like dx/dt.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of opinions on the best resources for learning quantum theory, indicating that multiple competing views remain regarding the appropriate starting points and necessary prerequisites.
Contextual Notes
Some discussions highlight the need for a solid understanding of calculus and classical mechanics before approaching quantum mechanics, but specific prerequisites may vary among participants.
- #2
JohnSimpson
- 89
- 0
Depends somewhat on your level of mathematical maturity. Griffiths is generally a reasonable place to start.
- #3
genome66
- 15
- 0
what are the variables in the equation v=dx/dt (obviously v is velocity).
- #4
genome66
- 15
- 0
I was wondering also if there was a book that listed and described the majority of physics equations, especially the ones pertaining to quantum theory?
- #5
Dickfore
- 2,987
- 5
Do you know what
[tex] \frac{d x}{d t}[/tex]
stands for?
[tex] \frac{d x}{d t}[/tex]
stands for?
- #6
n1person
- 144
- 0
If you are interested in some non-mathematical (popular science) books about quantum mechanics (and modern physics generally) to get a feeling for the subject. Brian Green's Fabric of the Cosmos is very interesting and a good read.
If you are interested in a mathematical book on the subject, Griffith's Quantum Mechanics is the standard. Very well written and very logical progression, and it introduces key mathematical concepts (Fourier series, PDE separation of variables) along the way. However, if I understand your question that you don't understand what v=dx/dt means, I would recommend you need to do four-five things before you even think about quantum theory.
1. Work through a good single variable calculus book.
2. Learn Newtonian classical mechanics
3. Work through a good multi-variable calculus book.
(4. Work through a good linear algebra book.)
5. Learn classical mechanics (lagrangian/hamiltonian) and electricity and magnetism.
At that point you can start to embark into mathematical quantum mechanics with stride.
If you are interested in a mathematical book on the subject, Griffith's Quantum Mechanics is the standard. Very well written and very logical progression, and it introduces key mathematical concepts (Fourier series, PDE separation of variables) along the way. However, if I understand your question that you don't understand what v=dx/dt means, I would recommend you need to do four-five things before you even think about quantum theory.
1. Work through a good single variable calculus book.
2. Learn Newtonian classical mechanics
3. Work through a good multi-variable calculus book.
(4. Work through a good linear algebra book.)
5. Learn classical mechanics (lagrangian/hamiltonian) and electricity and magnetism.
At that point you can start to embark into mathematical quantum mechanics with stride.
- #7
thraxrules
- 6
- 0
I think all what's left for me from what you said is the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian mechanics, so what should I do then?
- #8
sponsoredwalk
- 531
- 5
Just read a book like "University Physics" by Young/Freedman or "Fundamentals of Physics"
by Halliday/Resnick (not the 9th edition!). At the end of this book there is a section on
modern physics introducing relativity, quantum theory & cosmology at just the right level
for someone who has studied all of the previous classical mechanics & Electromagnetism in
the book. Once you have finished either of these massive books you'll be in a position to
have a look at some proper quantum theory without that horrendous feeling you get from
skipping details in a math book (which gets increasingly worse as you read on!).
Since both of those books require calculus what you could do would be to read a different
book called https://www.amazon.com/dp/0201473968/?tag=pfamazon01-20, I've never read it but it looks perfect if you
mix it with a calculus book like Stewart's calculus (or cheaper & way better -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0871503417/?tag=pfamazon01-20 ($0.03!))
If you do not know what dx/dt means inside out stay away from Lagrangians!
You'll learn what dx/dt means properly in the Swokowski & Integrated Physics/Calculus
books
I'll also recommend www.khanacademy.org if you need help learning
your calculus, you could even watch the calculus videos now & find
out what dx/dt means
by Halliday/Resnick (not the 9th edition!). At the end of this book there is a section on
modern physics introducing relativity, quantum theory & cosmology at just the right level
for someone who has studied all of the previous classical mechanics & Electromagnetism in
the book. Once you have finished either of these massive books you'll be in a position to
have a look at some proper quantum theory without that horrendous feeling you get from
skipping details in a math book (which gets increasingly worse as you read on!).
Since both of those books require calculus what you could do would be to read a different
book called https://www.amazon.com/dp/0201473968/?tag=pfamazon01-20, I've never read it but it looks perfect if you
mix it with a calculus book like Stewart's calculus (or cheaper & way better -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0871503417/?tag=pfamazon01-20 ($0.03!))
If you do not know what dx/dt means inside out stay away from Lagrangians!
You'll learn what dx/dt means properly in the Swokowski & Integrated Physics/Calculus
books
I'll also recommend www.khanacademy.org if you need help learning
your calculus, you could even watch the calculus videos now & find
out what dx/dt means
Last edited by a moderator:
- #9
thraxrules
- 6
- 0
Thanks =D, I feel like dx/dt will mean a different thing after I'm done :D