Quantum Physics - My adventure and obsession.

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the journey of a user seeking to understand Quantum Physics and prepare for college-level studies. Key recommendations include mastering foundational mathematics such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, precalculus, and calculus, with specific emphasis on the book "Basic Mathematics" by Serge Lang as essential preparatory material. Participants stress the importance of a structured learning approach, including enrolling in community college courses and balancing theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The conversation highlights the challenges of comprehending Quantum Mechanics and the necessity of maintaining a focused and manageable study routine.

PREREQUISITES
  • Strong understanding of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, precalculus, and calculus
  • Familiarity with foundational physics concepts
  • Ability to engage with mathematical proofs
  • Basic knowledge of Quantum Mechanics principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Basic Mathematics" by Serge Lang to build foundational math skills
  • Learn calculus through "Calculus, Volume I" by Tom M. Apostol
  • Explore introductory physics with "Physics, Volume I" by David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Kenneth S. Krane
  • Conduct simple experiments to understand Quantum Mechanics concepts practically
USEFUL FOR

Students aspiring to pursue a degree in physics, educators seeking to guide learners in Quantum Physics, and anyone interested in developing a strong mathematical foundation for advanced scientific study.

  • #31
Kindayr said:
Just a side note, I'm 3rd year pursuing a math degree. I plan on taking QM courses either in supplement to my Master's (I'm hoping to get into quantum computing through non-commutative geometry).

Would undergraduate QM courses be relatively more accessible with a background in linear algebra, functional analysis and measure theory?

I haven't taken a physics course since first year, and that didn't even touch on modern physics.

Take a look at this book, too:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/082184699X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

It's a nice supplement.
 
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  • #32
OFF TOPIC!

twofish-quant said:
-Before I die, I hope that someone will explain quantum mechanics to me. After I die, I hope that God will explain turbulence to me. (W. Heisenberg)

I came across this quotation (or a rephrase of it) many times. Sometimes it is attributed to Heisenberg and other times it's attributed to Sir Horace Lamb. But I couldn't find any authentic source for it. Could you find any ?
 
  • #33
yenchin said:
By a mathematician's standard, even graduate QM is hand-wavy...

By mathematicians standards, everything that physicists do is hand-wavy. Physicists and mathematicians look at the world in fundamentally different ways, and physicists will do things with math that will make mathematicians run away screaming in horror.
 

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