General textbook within the area of physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a suitable undergraduate textbook in physics, particularly focusing on quantum mechanics and its relationship to classical physics. The context includes the participant's background in chemistry and their upcoming Ph.D. studies, indicating a need for foundational knowledge in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for a general physics textbook to enhance their understanding of quantum mechanics, indicating a background in chemistry with limited exposure to higher-level physics.
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the request, asking whether the textbook is intended for the original poster or a friend, and whether the focus is on quantum mechanics or classical physics.
  • A participant inquires about the original poster's prior physics education and the textbooks used, noting that introductory physics is typically included in US chemistry degrees.
  • Another participant shares their own experience with physics content in their chemistry degree, mentioning specific topics covered and expressing a desire to improve their general physics knowledge.
  • The original poster clarifies that they are seeking a textbook for themselves to prepare for their Ph.D. in theoretical chemistry.
  • A later reply provides links to specific textbooks that may be suitable for the original poster's needs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the original poster's needs, with some confusion about the intended audience for the textbook and the specific focus on quantum mechanics versus classical physics. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best textbook options.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific educational background of the original poster and the varying levels of physics content covered in different chemistry programs. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the most appropriate textbooks for the original poster's goals.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in chemistry or related fields seeking to enhance their understanding of physics, particularly in preparation for advanced studies in theoretical chemistry or quantum mechanics.

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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