Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications by Zettili

In summary, "Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications" by Nouredine Zettili is a useful resource for those looking to practice and work through calculations in quantum mechanics. The book offers an abundance of fully solved problems and is available in paperback. However, the book may fall short in explaining important physical phenomena and some topics may be difficult to understand. It also does not cover Relativistic QM and the chapter on Many particle QM is short. Overall, it may be more helpful as a supplementary resource rather than a primary textbook.

For those who have used this book


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  • #2
Pros:

- Each chapter is supported by an abundance of fully solved problems.
- Available in paper back.
- Derivations steps are shown (complete)Cons:

- Short on explaining important physical phenomena properly (e.g. Ehrenfest Theorem)
- The approaches to some topics are not clear and can be abstruse (e.g. Time dependent Perturbation Theory & Quantization of EM field).
- Does not cover Relativistic QM
- The chapter on Many particle QM is short.Rating: 3.0/5.0
 
  • #3
The main thing I love about Zetilli is the numerous worked out problems available throughout the book. I haven't gotten too far through the book yet (it's mainly just supplementing for my quantum chemistry course at the moment), but so far it reads nicely and presents the topics well. In addition, the entire book is available for free in pdf format from swarthmore.edu, so it really is the most economically accessible quantum mechanics book available.
 
  • #4
We used this book for my school's sequence of two quantum classes. This book is good at teaching you how to grind through calculations. Most books will leave lengthy calculations to the reader, or they'll only do the simple cases explicitly, and then sort of hand-wave at the more general cases. This book actually goes through a lot of lengthy calculations, which is really nice when you're trying to work through problem sets.

Unfortunately, all the time spent on working problems seems to leave the exposition a little lacking. The introductions to subjects don't really work for me, and I find this book is only really helpful once I've gone through the same topic in a different book. Also (somewhat paradoxically) while he tends to go through things much more explicitly than other books, when he does choose to hand-wave he seems to do it quite badly. For example, he'll say "from equation (a) we get equation (b)" as if it's an obvious result, but when you look into it more you find that it's actually quite difficult to get from (a) to (b) and you have to make a number of assumptions. It would be nice if he made it clear when he was skipping significant steps.

Personally, I'm not a fan of this book for learning quantum mechanics, but it's nice to have when grinding through lengthy calculations.
 
  • #5
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I am always looking for comprehensive and informative resources on the latest developments in quantum mechanics. Nouredine Zettili's book, "Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications," is a valuable addition to the field. This book not only presents the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics in a clear and concise manner, but also provides practical applications and examples that make it accessible to both students and researchers.

Zettili's approach to teaching quantum mechanics is refreshing and engaging, making it a great resource for those new to the subject as well as those looking to deepen their understanding. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of quantum mechanics to advanced concepts such as quantum entanglement and quantum computing.

One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on real-world applications of quantum mechanics. Zettili provides numerous examples and problems that allow readers to apply the concepts they have learned to practical situations. This not only helps in understanding the material better, but also highlights the relevance and importance of quantum mechanics in modern science and technology.

Furthermore, the book is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear explanations and diagrams to aid in understanding. The inclusion of chapter summaries and review questions also makes it a useful tool for self-study and review.

Overall, "Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications" is a highly recommended resource for anyone interested in gaining a thorough understanding of quantum mechanics. Zettili's expertise and approach make this book a valuable asset for researchers, students, and anyone looking to explore the fascinating world of quantum mechanics.
 

1. What is quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter and energy on a microscopic scale, such as atoms and subatomic particles. It is a fundamental theory that explains the behavior of particles at the quantum level, which is very different from the classical physics that governs our everyday world.

2. What are some key concepts in quantum mechanics?

Some key concepts in quantum mechanics include superposition, uncertainty principle, wave-particle duality, and quantum entanglement. Superposition refers to the ability of a quantum system to exist in multiple states simultaneously. The uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty. Wave-particle duality refers to the dual nature of matter, which can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviors. Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where two or more particles become connected in such a way that the state of one particle affects the state of the other, even at great distances.

3. How is quantum mechanics applied in real-life situations?

Quantum mechanics has numerous applications in modern technology, such as in the development of transistors, lasers, and GPS devices. It also plays a crucial role in fields like chemistry, material science, and nuclear physics. Quantum mechanics is also used in cryptography to ensure secure communication and in quantum computing for faster and more efficient data processing.

4. What are the challenges in understanding quantum mechanics?

One of the biggest challenges in understanding quantum mechanics is its counterintuitive nature. Many of its concepts, such as superposition and entanglement, go against our classical understanding of the world. Another challenge is the complex mathematical formalism used to describe quantum systems, which can be difficult to grasp for those without a strong background in mathematics.

5. Is "Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications by Zettili" a good book for beginners?

Yes, "Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications by Zettili" is a highly recommended book for beginners in quantum mechanics. It provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the basic concepts and principles of quantum mechanics, with numerous examples and exercises to aid in understanding. It also covers more advanced topics, making it a useful reference for students and researchers in the field.

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