Next Steps in Learning Quantum Physics

[titanzero]

Hi everybody

I have recently finished reading 'A Brief History of Time'. I found the book very informative and even entertaining to read. It was a good overview of how our knowledge about the universe has developed over history.

The book introduced some very interesting ideas about quantum physics but I would like to know where to go next to continue learning about this subject.

I've watched many documentaries since but have found these to be rather confusing. There seem to many schools of thought on what holds the universe together, dark matter, black holes and alike.

I would like to read an up-to-date book that gives a good overview of each of the main possibilities that science is considering about the above issues. I intend to get a basic physics book to fill in gaps in my education but would really like to read about the modern theories and speculation. I want to know for sure what avenues science has explored and why they are argued to be good possibilities.

I know scientific theories and ideas change so much and so fast that maybe there is no up-to-date cutting edge book. But I really what to learn about quantum physics and mechanics but find it to over whelming to wade through web page after web page each arguing a different point of view.

So my question is quite simple, can anyone point me in the direction a good book that introduces and explains the pros and cons of quantum theory along with any alternatives?

Thank you for your time
Andrew Wieland

 

[qspeechc]

"Not Even Wrong" by Peter Woit. You can read the reviews about it on Amazon.com:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0224076051/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[charng]

Hello Andrew,

First of all, congratulations on finishing "A Brief History of Time" and your interest in learning more about quantum physics! It is a fascinating and complex subject that continues to evolve and challenge our understanding of the universe.

As you mentioned, there are many different schools of thought and theories surrounding quantum physics, making it a challenging topic to fully grasp. However, there are some excellent resources available to help you continue your learning journey.

One suggestion would be to read "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene. This book provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the main theories and ideas in modern physics, including quantum mechanics and string theory. It also delves into the historical development of these theories and their potential implications for our understanding of the universe.

Another great resource is "Quantum Physics for Beginners" by Zbigniew Ficek. This book provides a more introductory level of understanding of quantum physics, but still covers the main concepts and theories in a clear and concise manner.

If you are looking for a more interactive and visual way to learn, I would recommend checking out online courses or lectures from reputable universities such as MIT or Stanford. These can be found on platforms like Coursera or edX.

Finally, I would also encourage you to continue reading scientific articles and publications from reputable sources such as Nature or Scientific American. This will allow you to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements and theories in quantum physics.

Keep in mind that the field of quantum physics is constantly evolving and new theories and ideas are being proposed all the time. It is important to approach the subject with an open mind and be willing to continually learn and adapt your understanding.

Best of luck on your journey of learning quantum physics!