Recommended quantum mechanics books?

In summary, a high school student is determined to learn quantum mechanics and electrodynamics before graduating, despite having no previous knowledge in physics or higher math courses. They are currently self-teaching pre-calculus and reading a book on the history of quantum mechanics. They are seeking suggestions for physics textbooks and books to aid in their learning. Some recommendations include "Quantum Mechanics" by Shankar and Richard Feynman's "QED." However, understanding these concepts will require a strong foundation in trigonometry, calculus, and other higher math courses. The student is advised to be patient and work hard in their studies.
  • #1
RnG ramen85
3
0
I am a high school student and I have found the desire to figure out quantum mechanics and electrodynmics, I am currently a sophomore and am learning algebra 2 and trig. I have no previous knowledge of physics, pre calc, calc, or even trig. I understand it seems dumb and or foolish I want to learn physics without learning trig first. I am starting to learn pre calc(self taught) and have started reading a book on the history of quantum mechanics. I am determined to learn and understand what quantum mechanics and electrodynamics are before I graduate. After saying this I would like to hear any suggestions on physics texts books or books that will help me learn.

Note, I would also like to learn physics so my next year ap physics class is more understandable.

Thank you for your time.
 
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  • #3
Oh Richard Feynman he reinvented qed(well solved it to make it finite), I will definitely look into that. What do I need to know to actually understand what it tells me? What are the physics and mathematics courses needed to comprehend it?
 
  • #4
RnG ramen85 said:
I want to learn physics without learning trig first. I am starting to learn pre calc(self taught) and have started reading a book on the history of quantum mechanics. I am determined to learn and understand what quantum mechanics and electrodynamics are before I graduate.

The things in bold above are two different things. You can learn what electrodynamics is (it is the science of changing electrical fields) and why it's important, and you can even take our word for it that electromagnetic radiation traveling at speed c is predicted by this science, all without any math at all.
But you cannot learn electrodynamics without first learning trig and then basic calculus. You'll also need multi-variable and vector calculus, but you can pick these up in parallel with learning electrodynamics.
 
  • #5
RnG ramen85 said:
Oh Richard Feynman he reinvented qed(well solved it to make it finite), I will definitely look into that. What do I need to know to actually understand what it tells me? What are the physics and mathematics courses needed to comprehend it?

Feynman's "QED" you can handle with the mathematical background you already have - it's a classic of the "I can't teach you the science, but at least I can tell you what the science does" style of science writing, and I highly recommend it.

To actually understand quantum mechanics, you need multi-variable calculus, some differential equations, and some linear algebra. There aren't any shortcuts here.
 
  • #6
My advice is be patient, and work hard/ask lots of questions once you take the course.
 
  • #7
You should think of learning trig and calculus as part of learning Physics. Newton had to invent calculus so he could complete his work on mechanics. It all starts there.
 
  • #8
Ok would you recommend any pre calc or cqlc books? I will lok into physics once I have complete pre calc
 
  • #9
RnG ramen85 said:
Ok would you recommend any pre calc or cqlc books? I will lok into physics once I have complete pre calc

Maybe start with a non-textbook like Calculus Made Easy.

But you'll find plenty of other recommendations if you search through this subforum.
 
  • #10
Algebra 2 and Trig are what you need to know for calculus, so do the best you can in them, try to master them. Then you'll be ready for calculus and whatever comes after that.
 

1. What are the best quantum mechanics books for beginners?

Some popular recommendations for beginners include "Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers" by David A. B. Miller, "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by David J. Griffiths, and "Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum" by Leonard Susskind and Art Friedman.

2. Are there any quantum mechanics books that are easy to understand?

Yes, there are several books written in a more accessible and intuitive style, such as "In Search of Schrödinger's Cat" by John Gribbin, "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene, and "Seven Brief Lessons on Physics" by Carlo Rovelli.

3. Can you recommend a quantum mechanics book with practical applications?

"Quantum Computing: A Gentle Introduction" by Eleanor G. Rieffel and Wolfgang H. Polak is a good choice for those interested in the practical applications of quantum mechanics, specifically in the field of quantum computing.

4. What quantum mechanics books are suitable for advanced readers?

For advanced readers, some highly acclaimed books include "Quantum Field Theory for the Gifted Amateur" by Tom Lancaster and Stephen J. Blundell, "Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals" by Richard P. Feynman and Albert R. Hibbs, and "Modern Quantum Mechanics" by J. J. Sakurai and Jim Napolitano.

5. Are there any free resources for learning quantum mechanics?

Yes, there are many free online resources, including lecture notes, videos, and textbooks, that cover various topics in quantum mechanics. Some popular ones include "Quantum Mechanics: Lecture Notes" by Prof. Richard Fitzpatrick, "Quantum Mechanics for Everyone" by Prof. David H. McIntyre, and "Quantum Mechanics Made Simple" by Prof. Weng Cho Chew.

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