Quantum Mechanics Material Question

[Marthius]

This coming semester I will be taking phy 401 (mostly Quantum Mechanics I think). Anyway, I was planing to get a jump start by reading some of the textbook ahead of time, but when I opened it ("Quantum Mechanics" by Gasiorowicz, 3rd ed.) my head started to spin. Clearly there is a foundation missing which we will be covering in class, but which I do not yet have.

My question is this, can anyone recommend either a book or websight that I can look at inorder to get myself up to speed ahead of time? Perhaps just enough so that I can get stared on the real material.

 

[G01]

I used Gasiorowicz and I agree that, while the book is good, it can be a little overwhelming sometimes. I found that reading Griffith's "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" along with Gasiorowicz is very helpful, especially if this is your first upper level QM course.

Be aware that Griffith's may be easier to read since I think he is a better writer than Gasiorowicz, but the latter covers much more material and covers bra-ket notation much more thoroughly, which is very important. Also, Griffith's is not much easier on math. If it is the math that is loosing you, I suggest you brush up on your differential equations and linear algebra. Also, you may find it useful to review a modern physics text like Serway's if you think you would benefit from a more basic introduction to the subject.

 

[charng]

I understand your concern about getting a head start on Quantum Mechanics before the semester begins. I commend your proactive approach to learning. Quantum Mechanics is a complex and fascinating subject, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed when first encountering it.

I would recommend starting with a basic understanding of classical mechanics and electromagnetism, as these are the foundations of Quantum Mechanics. You can also look into introductory books on Quantum Mechanics, such as "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by David Griffiths or "Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications" by Nouredine Zettili. These books provide a good foundation and can help you prepare for the material you will cover in class.

In addition, there are many online resources available, such as lectures and tutorials, that can help you get a better understanding of the fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics. Some reputable websites to consider are MIT OpenCourseWare, Khan Academy, and Coursera.

Lastly, I would highly recommend discussing your concerns with your professor or a graduate student in the field. They can provide valuable insights and recommend additional resources to help you prepare for the course.

Remember, Quantum Mechanics is a challenging but rewarding subject, and with dedication and effort, you will be able to grasp its concepts and applications. Good luck in your studies!