Quantum General textbook within the area of physics

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A final year undergraduate chemistry student is seeking recommendations for a general physics textbook to enhance their understanding of quantum mechanics, particularly for their dissertation on molecular quantum dynamics and charge-transfer in solar cells. They have a foundational knowledge of quantum mechanics but feel their physics education has not been sufficiently rigorous, particularly in classical physics. The student has studied some quantum mechanics through their chemistry courses, using texts like Atkins' Physical Chemistry and Quantum Chemistry by Denaro. They aim to prepare for a Ph.D. in theoretical chemistry and are looking for suitable undergraduate-level resources to bolster their physics knowledge. Suggestions for textbooks were provided, focusing on the need for comprehensive material that bridges their current understanding and future academic goals.
Wavefunction12
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Hi everyone!

I wanted to put a quick post up on the forum! I'm a final year undergraduate chemistry student, and my dissertation topic involves using molecular quantum dynamics to simulate charge-transfer at a solar cell heterojunction. My knowledge of quantum mechanics is acceptable, but I'm looking for a good general textbook within the area of physics.
Quantum mechanics is something I hope to work with for my Ph.D, but I have a general interest in physics and would like a textbook for an undergraduate student. I assume to fully understand quantum theory, I need to understand classical physics to a fairly high level? My mathematical ability isn't quite 'physicist' level yet, but I'm fairly well versed in Calculus I,II and my Linear Algebra is getting better.

Thanks a lot!
 
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Your post is a little confusing. Is this textbook for you or your friend? Do you want to learn quantum mechanics or classical physics?
 
Have you studied any physics already as part of your chemistry degree, and if so, using which textbook? In the US, chemistry bachelors degrees normally include at least first-year introductory physics at the level of e.g. Halliday/Resnick/Walker Fundamentals of Physics. Also, physical chemistry includes includes some quantum mechanics IIRC. I don't know what it's like in other countries.
 
jtbell said:
Have you studied any physics already as part of your chemistry degree, and if so, using which textbook? In the US, chemistry bachelors degrees normally include at least first-year introductory physics at the level of e.g. Halliday/Resnick/Walker Fundamentals of Physics. Also, physical chemistry includes includes some quantum mechanics IIRC. I don't know what it's like in other countries.

The physics covered in my chemistry degree isn't particularly high level. In first year, simple quantum mechanics was introduced; Particle in a box etc. In second year we discussed the time-independent Schrödinger equation and the variation method. Third year we covered partition functions (stat therm) and very little quantum mechanics. All quantum mechanical content I've learned has come through Atkins Physical Chemistry, Atkins Molecular Quantum Mechanics and an old book called Quantum Chemistry by Denaro. I would like to improve my GENERAL physics. I'm also still unsure to what the best texts are for QM though!
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
Your post is a little confusing. Is this textbook for you or your friend? Do you want to learn quantum mechanics or classical physics?
I have just re-read my post and understand the confusion. I am wanting an undergraduate textbook for MYSELF, because the physics taught in my chemistry degree isn't at a high enough level. I'm hopefully starting my Ph.D in theoretical chemistry next year and would like to prepare in every way possible.
 
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Hi, I have notice that Ashcroft, Mermin and Wei worked at a revised edition of the original solid state physics book (here). The book, however, seems to be never available. I have also read that the reason is related to some disputes related to copyright. Do you have any further information about it? Did you have the opportunity to get your hands on this revised edition? I am really curious about it, also considering that I am planning to buy the book in the near future... Thanks!
I’ve heard that in some countries (for example, Argentina), the curriculum is structured differently from the typical American program. In the U.S., students usually take a general physics course first, then move on to a textbook like Griffiths, and only encounter Jackson at the graduate level. In contrast, in those countries students go through a general physics course (such as Resnick-Halliday) and then proceed directly to Jackson. If the slower, more gradual approach is considered...

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