Quantum mechanics book recommendations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for books on quantum mechanics, particularly focusing on options that are easier to read compared to "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths. Participants express their preferences for books that balance accessibility with the depth of quantum mechanics concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant enjoys Griffiths but finds it math-heavy and seeks an easier supplementary read.
  • Another participant suggests "The New Quantum Universe" by Tony Hey, noting mixed reviews regarding its relevance due to being pre-Higgs boson.
  • Several participants recommend various popular science books, including "Where Does the Weirdness Go" by Lindley and "Sneaking a Look at God's Cards" by Ghirardi.
  • Some participants mention "Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum" by Susskind and Friedman as a less math-oriented option.
  • One participant questions the utility of popularizations for learning quantum mechanics, suggesting that understanding the math is essential.
  • Another participant mentions Dan Styer's books as potential resources for undergraduates.
  • There is a discussion about the appropriateness of Griffiths for beginners, with some suggesting that foundational knowledge in physics is necessary to tackle it effectively.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of mathematical rigor in learning quantum mechanics. While some advocate for easier reads, others emphasize the importance of engaging with the mathematics involved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate that the recommendations may depend on the reader's prior knowledge and comfort with physics and mathematics, suggesting that the appropriateness of certain texts may vary based on individual backgrounds.

hmparticle9
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I am currently reading through "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths and I am loving it.

I am interested in book about quantum mechanics but an easy read. What I am getting at is that Griffiths is very math heavy and full of exercises, which is great. But I am getting lost in the maths most the time and the ideas of QM get lost.

I am after, therefore, an easy read I can go through the same time as reading Griffiths.

has anyone read "The New Quantum Universe - Tony Hey"?

The comments seem to love it, but some say it is out of date (pre-higgs boson)
 
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hmparticle9 said:
I am currently reading through "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths and I am loving it.

I am interested in book about quantum mechanics but an easy read. What I am getting at is that Griffiths is very math heavy and full of exercises, which is great. But I am getting lost in the maths most the time and the ideas of QM get lost.

I am after, therefore, an easy read I can go through the same time as reading Griffiths.

has anyone read "The New Quantum Universe - Tony Hey"?

The comments seem to love it, but some say it is out of date (pre-higgs boson)
I have seen Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum by Leonard Susskind and Art Friedman recommended as it is less math oriented.
 
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A couple of popularizations that I like

Where does the Weirdness Go by Lindley
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465067867/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Sneaking a Look at God's Cards by Ghirardi
https://www.amazon.com/dp/069113037X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Other books

Feynman Vol 3
https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/

I am not really familiar with it, but you might take a look at
Quantum Concepts in Physics by Longair
https://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Conc...nderstanding/dp/1107017092/?tag=pfamazon01-20
His Theoretical Concepts in Physics is great.

It’s probably too advanced for you but
Laloe’s Do We Really Understand Quantum Mechanics is an interesting read.
https://www.amazon.com/Do-Really-Understand-Quantum-Mechanics/dp/1108477003/?tag=pfamazon01-20
Here is an early version
https://arxiv.org/pdf/quant-ph/0209123
 
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Is Griffiths your first exposure to quantum mechanics? If so, you might consider working through the chapters on modern physics in an introductory physics book. Or get a book on modern physics, like Tipler.

I don't think you'll find any popularizations of quantum mechanics to be helpful. They might be interesting and fun to read, but to really learn quantum mechanics, you need to learn/work through the math.
 
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vela said:
Or get a book on modern physics, like Tipler
Plus 1 on Tipler. I loved that book, convinced me to major in physics!
 
@vela I guessed that was the case.
 
Anything below Griffiths would be about QM, but not QM. That's why they are easier.
 
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I will stuck to Griffiths.
 
  • #10
hmparticle9 said:
I am currently reading through "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths and I am loving it.

I am interested in book about quantum mechanics but an easy read. What I am getting at is that Griffiths is very math heavy and full of exercises, which is great. But I am getting lost in the maths most the time and the ideas of QM get lost.

I am after, therefore, an easy read I can go through the same time as reading Griffiths.

has anyone read "The New Quantum Universe - Tony Hey"?

The comments seem to love it, but some say it is out of date (pre-higgs boson)
If you are struggling with the mathematics of Griffiths, then you do not meet the math prerequisites. It is probably the most math hand wavy QM there is. Are you sure its the math and not having the physics chops?

Ie., jumping from say an intro mechanics understanding to an upper division QM book?
 
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  • #11
I am not struggling with the maths. I am okay with the physics. I just wanted an easy access collection of QM results to refer to. tbh I was not really thinking when posting this. Griffiths fits the bill. (post #8)
 
  • #12
Philip Ball recommended Susskind's book, so I picked it up but haven't started it yet. The Philip Ball book is an easy read.
I wanted to better understand what Einstein thought about Entanglement, so today I received 'Quantum Entanglement and the Loss of Reality' by Marcella. I can't find any reviews of anything he's written other than his paper: 'Quantum Interference With Slits'. Has anyone read his 'Quantum Entanglement' book?
 

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