Finding a Quantum Physics Textbook: What to Look For

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for quantum physics textbooks suitable for various levels of study, including introductory and advanced texts. Participants share their preferences and experiences with different books, addressing both theoretical content and problem-solving aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants recommend Shankar for beginners due to its thorough approach to common misconceptions.
  • Others suggest Sakurai and Baym for advanced studies, noting that Baym is currently out of print.
  • Griffith's Quantum Mechanics is mentioned as a cornerstone text, though not universally regarded as the best for learning.
  • Gasiorowicz is noted as a handy reference but not ideal for learning quantum mechanics.
  • David Bohm's book is highlighted for its theoretical insights, despite not being a traditional textbook.
  • Feynman's course is recommended as an essential resource.
  • Gallindo & Pascual's "Quantum Mechanics" is proposed as a top graduate-level text, with Reed and Simon's volumes suggested for further depth.
  • Introductory texts for quantum field theory like Bjorgen & Drell or Schroeder & Peskin are mentioned as interesting alternatives.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of solving problems in understanding quantum mechanics, recommending books like Practical Quantum Mechanics by S. Flugge for their extensive problem sets.
  • QED by Berestetski, Lif****z, Pitaevski is noted for its numerous solved problems in quantum electrodynamics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the best textbooks, with no consensus on a single recommended text. Different preferences for introductory versus advanced materials are evident, and the discussion reflects a range of perspectives on the importance of problem-solving in learning quantum mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations depend on the level of study (beginner vs. advanced), and there are mentions of books being out of print or not ideal for certain learning styles. The discussion does not resolve which texts are definitively superior.

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anyone know of a good quantum physics textbook?
 
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At what level?

For the beginning level, I personally love the Shankar as it's extremely pedantic and good at hitting common misconception before they can arise.

For more advanced stuff, you probably need a combination of the Sakurai Modern Quantum Mechanics or the Baym. Both are extremely good, but the Baym is currently out of print.

Avoid any of the "traditional" introductions since they don't really teach you the physics but are either moderate equation sheets or downright bad works.

If you're interested in a different perspective entirely, check out Julian Schwinger's book.
 
Griffith's Quantum Mechanics is considered a cornerstone of undergraduate physics curricula and although it's not the best, it's still pretty good.

Gasiorowicz is a very handy reference book for quantum mechanics but not really good to learn quantum from.

I agree with abszero in recommending Shankar and Baym...Georgia Tech uses Shankar for their graduate level courses but that's the book I did my primary learning from in my undergraduate experience.

David Bohm's book is also pretty good...it's not really a textbook so to speak but it provides a lot of theory...I found it valuable...and it's a Dover book so it's pretty inexpensive as well.
 
Don't miss the Feynman course !
 
This is for Arildno: My guess the best graduate book for QM is Gallindo & Pascual's "Quantum Mechanics". If you think it's still not enough, then the 4 volumes of Reed and Simon should do it.

And a peek through Prugoveçki's "Quantum Mechanics in Hilbert space" or Jauch's "Foundations of Quantum Mechanics" wouldn't hurt.

Daniel.
 
You should look for quantum field theory ,it is very interesting
 
For introductory Quantum Field Theory: Bjorgen & Drell or Schroeder & Peskin.
 
dextercioby said:
This is for Arildno: My guess the best graduate book for QM is Gallindo & Pascual's "Quantum Mechanics". If you think it's still not enough, then the 4 volumes of Reed and Simon should do it.
And a peek through Prugoveçki's "Quantum Mechanics in Hilbert space" or Jauch's "Foundations of Quantum Mechanics" wouldn't hurt.
Daniel.
Thanks a bundle! :smile:
 
The study QM without solving the problems is unfruitful way. Moreover, the more problems you solve, the more Quantum Mechanics you understand. Many QM textbooks have the problems, but often without solutions. There is some exception (e.g. QM by Landau-Lif****z).
So the books like Practical Quantum Mechanics by S. Flugge are indispensable sources. (It has ~250 problems with most detail and pedantic (!) solutions.)
If you consider QED, the best test book with hundreds solved problems is QED by Berestetski, Lif****z, Pitaevski.
 
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