Nolting quantum mechnaics textbook

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the Nolting undergraduate physics series, specifically the two volumes on quantum mechanics. Participants are exploring the sufficiency of these texts, potential errors, and their reception among students, particularly in the context of their translation into English.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express curiosity about the adequacy and accuracy of Nolting's quantum mechanics books.
  • There is a question regarding whether the books have been translated into English, with some noting their relative obscurity outside Germany.
  • One participant confirms that all nine volumes are now available in English and shares a positive personal experience with the second volume, while also expressing concern about potential scientific errors.
  • Another participant reflects on their past experience with the series, mentioning confusion caused by the treatment of the Dirac delta distribution in the electrodynamics volume, suggesting it may not have been well-received by students at that time.
  • Despite past criticisms, there is an acknowledgment that the series appears to be popular among current students.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reveals mixed opinions about the Nolting series, with some participants expressing positive views while others recall negative experiences. There is no consensus on the overall quality or reliability of the texts.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences and perceptions that may be influenced by their specific educational contexts and timeframes. There is mention of potential scientific errors, but no specific examples are provided.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and educators interested in undergraduate physics texts, particularly those exploring quantum mechanics, may find this discussion relevant.

Ahmed1029
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I'm curious what you guys think of the Nolting undergraduate physics series, particularly his 2 books on quantum mechanics? Are they sufficient? Are there any errors in them?
 
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Have they been translated to English? I have not seen anything negative about them, except being relatively unknown outside Germany.
 
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dextercioby said:
Have they been translated to English? I have not seen anything negative about them, except being relatively unknown outside Germany.
Yes! All the nine volume are now available in English. I'm currently reading his second volume and I think it's terrific; I'm just making sure there isn't any scientific error in any of them, being relatively unknown as you said.
 
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I've not looked into them for more than 20 years. When I was a student and also a teaching assistant, I didn't like them too much. Particularly the volume about electrodynamics was a bit confusing for me as well as the students in my tutorials in its very sloppy use of the Dirac-##\delta## distribution. Since they seem to be pretty popular among the students also today, I guess, they are better now.
 
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