Learning Quantum Mechanics: What Books to Start With?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for books to start learning quantum mechanics, with a particular interest in the mathematical foundations that underpin the subject. Participants explore various texts that could aid in understanding both the mathematics and the concepts of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for beginner-friendly texts that cover the mathematics involved in quantum mechanics, referencing their positive experience with a calculus textbook.
  • Another participant reassures that the calculus knowledge already acquired will be sufficient to begin studying quantum mechanics, emphasizing the need to think differently about reality.
  • A suggestion is made to consider "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" by M. Boas as a resource for mathematical physics.
  • Participants mention several specific books for quantum mechanics, including "Quantum Mechanics" by A. P. French, noted for its accessibility, and "Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei and Particles" by Eisberg and Resnick, which is described as comprehensive but more expensive.
  • Another participant advises studying linear algebra, highlighting its importance in quantum mechanics, similar to the role of calculus in classical mechanics.
  • R. Shankar's "Basic Training in Mathematics" is recommended as it addresses foundational mathematical needs relevant to quantum mechanics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of mathematics in understanding quantum mechanics and suggest various texts, but there is no consensus on a single best starting point or the necessity of specific mathematical prerequisites.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the variability in the mathematical methods required for quantum mechanics and the potential need for supplementary resources, indicating that no single text may cover all necessary topics.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in beginning their study of quantum mechanics, particularly those seeking guidance on foundational mathematics and suitable textbooks.

vish22
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Hello People,
Could you please tell me about any really cool books(1 or 2) from which i could start learning quantum mechanics?I'd love to read some mathematics involved in quantum mechanics before actually reading quantum mechanics.
Lol i don't know if that made sense cause i absolutely have no idea of what exactly is involved in QM
But I had finished reading an Essential Calculus textbook by James Stewart and now everything in EM and Classical Physics makes soo much more sense(from griffith's and berkley course in physics) and so much more beautiful.
But I really don't know if there are any such mathematical foundation laying (beginner to high level-just like essential calculus) textbooks which would help describe quantum mechanics!

PS- I'm sorry if I sound noobish and hope you will excuse me for that.
and why couldn't i post this in the learning materials section?!
Thank You!:shy:
 
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Don't worry about the math, the calculus you have mastered will get you started well. Your main work will be getting your head around the quantum mechanics and thinking at right angles to reality.

There are lots of specialised mathematical methods which come up as you get deeper into quantum theory but no one text will cover them all. A good text for a lot of mathematical physics is M Boas Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences

There are a vast number of books on quantum mechanics. A good starting point may be A P French - Quantum Mechanics (its easy on the math but was written quite a while ago). A much more comprehensive (and expensive!) text is Eisberg and Resnick - Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei and Particles.

Hope this helps

Regards

Sam
 
Thanks a lot Sam! I better check them out in the library.
 
Study some linear algebra, it's as crucial to QM as calculus is to classical mechanics. All the rest of the necessary math should be covered in a QM text just fine.
 
Thanks a lot guys,i really appreciate this!
 

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