Learning Quantum Mechanics: What Books to Start With?

AI Thread Summary
For beginners interested in quantum mechanics, it's essential to build a solid mathematical foundation. A recommended starting point is "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" by M. Boas, which covers various mathematical techniques relevant to physics. For quantum mechanics specifically, "Quantum Mechanics" by A.P. French is suggested for its accessibility, while "Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei and Particles" by Eisberg and Resnick offers a more comprehensive overview, albeit at a higher cost. Additionally, studying linear algebra is crucial, as it plays a significant role in quantum mechanics, and R. Shankar's "Basic Training in Mathematics" can help address foundational mathematical needs. Overall, these resources will aid in understanding the mathematical concepts necessary for grasping quantum mechanics.
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!
 
By looking around, it seems like Dr. Hassani's books are great for studying "mathematical methods for the physicist/engineer." One is for the beginner physicist [Mathematical Methods: For Students of Physics and Related Fields] and the other is [Mathematical Physics: A Modern Introduction to Its Foundations] for the advanced undergraduate / grad student. I'm a sophomore undergrad and I have taken up the standard calculus sequence (~3sems) and ODEs. I want to self study ahead in mathematics...

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