I am very intrigued by the theory of quantum physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the exploration of quantum physics, particularly from the perspective of a newcomer eager to learn. Participants share their insights on foundational concepts, historical context, and recommended resources for understanding quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for knowledge in quantum physics and seeks recommendations for learning materials.
  • Another participant suggests that the original poster conduct preliminary research and return with specific questions, noting the abundance of free resources available online.
  • A participant shares their enjoyment of the historical development of quantum theory, mentioning key milestones like the ultraviolet catastrophe and the Schrödinger equation.
  • Some participants recommend starting with historical perspectives in quantum mechanics textbooks, such as McQuarrie's work.
  • One contributor highlights advanced topics that intrigue them, including gauge invariance and the Aharonov-Bohm effect, indicating that understanding these requires foundational knowledge.
  • A participant asks about the original poster's mathematical background to tailor recommendations more effectively.
  • Several participants mention specific books that they found helpful, including "Entanglement," "QED" by Richard Feynman, and Griffiths' introductory textbook, while cautioning that the material can be perplexing.
  • Another participant suggests starting with either historical texts or directly engaging with interesting concepts, recommending works by David Bohm and Feynman.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational knowledge and the value of historical context in learning quantum physics. However, there are multiple competing views on the best approach to begin studying the subject, with no consensus on a single recommended path.

Contextual Notes

Some participants emphasize the need for a solid mathematical background to fully engage with quantum mechanics, indicating that the discussion may depend on individual levels of prior knowledge and interest.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals new to quantum physics, educators looking for resource recommendations, and those interested in the historical context of scientific theories.

intphysicsnoob
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This subject is pretty new to me I'm not in school or anything but my mind is hungry for knowledge and there is so much to learn and discover when it comes to quantum physics. please fellow physicists tell me what you know and what you think some one new would enjoy learning. feed my mind. =)
 
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intphysicsnoob said:
This subject is pretty new to me I'm not in school or anything but my mind is hungry for knowledge and there is so much to learn and discover when it comes to quantum physics. please fellow physicists tell me what you know and what you think some one new would enjoy learning. feed my mind. =)

You are asking for a MASSIVE dissertation. Do some research on your own and come back with specific questions. The internet is FULL of decent material that's free.
 
I enjoyed learning the early history of quantum theory - starting with the ultraviolet catastrophe and ending with the Schrödinger equation & Heisenberg's mechanics.
 
thank you jorris i did start with schrodingers cat going to check ultra violet catastrophe and i have done some research i was seeing what other people had to say about what intrigues them.
 
intphysicsnoob said:
thank you jorris i did start with schrodingers cat going to check ultra violet catastrophe and i have done some research i was seeing what other people had to say about what intrigues them.
Or you could just get a quantum mechanics book that starts with a historical perspective. Most modern physics books do this, mcquarrie quantum chemistry, etc.

The thing is, if I tell you what intrigues me about quantum mechanics - it's things like gauge invariance and the aharonov bohm effect, bose-einstein and fermi-dirac gasses, etc. Stuff that takes a lot of time and effort to get to and to understand. If you want to learn the exciting aspects of QM, you need to get through the boring parts and do the subject right.
 
intphysicsnoob said:
This subject is pretty new to me I'm not in school or anything but my mind is hungry for knowledge and there is so much to learn and discover when it comes to quantum physics. please fellow physicists tell me what you know and what you think some one new would enjoy learning. feed my mind. =)
Could you tell us how much math you know, so we can better tailor the recommendation?
 
Jorriss said:
Or you could just get a quantum mechanics book that starts with a historical perspective. Most modern physics books do this, mcquarrie quantum chemistry, etc.

That would be my suggestion as well - just dive in and persevere.

Thanks
Bill
 
intphysicsnoob said:
thank you jorris i did start with schrodingers cat going to check ultra violet catastrophe and i have done some research i was seeing what other people had to say about what intrigues them.

I just finished reading the book Entanglement and I now want to learn more about the Measurement Problem. It seems to be one of the more mind blowing aspects of quantum physics.
 
I recently read QED by Richard Feynman, that was a good place to start. Another one I am currently reading which is pretty good is called the quantum divide. There are also some good introductory textbooks, I read a bit of griffiths' introductory textbook, and that is laid out very well. A word of caution, this stuff not only is weird, but perplexing. Don't give up if it seems too confusing initially.
 
  • #10
There are two ways to start. Firstly you start from history, read up david bohm or any of these books, there come chronologically, else start off from the interesting things directly, read feynmann lectures vol3, or book by Prof G Venkataraman called, The Breakthrough its his first book on the quantum theory, thin and a very interesting and amazing starting point! It introduces all key idea without going into the details of mathematics, after that just jump into either the book by Dirac or read Sakurai!
 

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