Good introductory books in the Quantum Mechanics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for introductory books on quantum mechanics, particularly for a college undergraduate with a background in mathematics and computer science but limited physics knowledge. The focus is on finding accessible texts that provide clear exposition without requiring extensive prior knowledge in physics or differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses interest in quantum cryptography and seeks introductory books on quantum mechanics, mentioning authors like Griffiths, Shankar, and Sakurai.
  • Some participants recommend the "Feynman Lectures" as a suitable introductory resource.
  • There is a question regarding the necessity of reading Volumes I and II of the "Feynman Lectures" before approaching Volume III, which covers quantum mechanics.
  • A participant suggests that Feynman's treatment does not require knowledge of differential equations and can be understood independently of the earlier volumes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the "Feynman Lectures" can be a suitable resource for beginners, but there is uncertainty about the necessity of prior volumes and the suitability for those without a physics background.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the original poster's lack of background in physics and differential equations, which may affect their ability to engage with certain texts. There is also ambiguity regarding the differences between quantum mechanics, quantum physics, and quantum chemistry.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for undergraduate students in mathematics or computer science who are interested in exploring quantum mechanics without a strong physics background.

bacte2013
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Dear Physics Forum friends,

I am a college undergraduate in US with double majors in the mathematics and computer science. I have been doing research in the theoretical computer science, and I recently got interested in the quantum cryptography. Since I cannot take any physics course until next Fall, I thought it would be a good idea to pick up a book or two on the quantum mechanics and read them as I delve more into the quantum cryptography, which I plan to do on December.

I am not looking for a serious book on the quantum mechanics (i.e. something like Rudin-PMA version) but I am looking for an introductory book that has a clear exposition. I searched the forum a bit, and I found that authors like Griffiths, Shankar, and Sakurai are frequently mentioned. However, I am not sure of their rigorousness or exposition. Could you recommend one or two introductory books? Also I see that there are books of quantum physics and quantum chemistry...Are they totally different from the quantum mechanics?

Background: I am currently taking Analysis I (Rudin-PMA), Linear Algebra with Proofs (Hoffman/Kunze & Friedberg), and Discrete Mathematics (Knuth). Unfortunately, I did not take any physics and differential-equations courses...I hope that lack of background is a serious problem for studying the quantum mechanics.

PK
 
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Dr. Courtney said:
Feynman Lectures

Dear Dr. Courtney,

Thank you for the recommendation. Is the "Feyman Lectures" suitable for the undergraduate students with no background in the introductory physics and differential equations? My analysis and linear algebra courses did not yet get to the differential equations. It seems that the Volume III treats the quantum mechanics. Do I need to read Volume I and II before the Vol. III?
 
bacte2013 said:
Dear Dr. Courtney,

Thank you for the recommendation. Is the "Feyman Lectures" suitable for the undergraduate students with no background in the introductory physics and differential equations? My analysis and linear algebra courses did not yet get to the differential equations. It seems that the Volume III treats the quantum mechanics. Do I need to read Volume I and II before the Vol. III?

You can jump tp Vol. III. Feynman's treatment does not require diff eq, and can be understood without Vol I and II. It is likely more introductory than most other books you might get.

You may also check out his videos here: http://www.richard-feynman.net/videos.htm
 

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