The Principles of Quantum Mechanics (Dirac)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the suitability of Dirac's text on quantum mechanics for individuals with varying levels of mathematical and physics backgrounds. Participants explore the prerequisites for understanding the material, alternative resources, and the depth of prior knowledge required.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a strong mathematical background, including knowledge of orthogonal functions, complex variables, PDEs, and linear algebra, is necessary to tackle Dirac's book.
  • Others emphasize the importance of a solid physics foundation, noting that quantum mechanics builds on classical mechanics and electromagnetism.
  • A participant shares their positive experience with Dirac's book but points out the lack of problems, recommending Shankar's book as a potentially better choice for beginners.
  • There is a query about whether Dirac's book assumes prior knowledge of quantum mechanics, indicating uncertainty about the book's prerequisites.
  • One participant mentions completing three MIT open courseware physics courses and questions if that background is sufficient to proceed with Dirac's text.
  • Another participant suggests exploring Leonard Susskind's theoretical physics lectures as a suitable alternative for those who have progressed quickly through introductory materials.
  • There is a recommendation to engage with standard physics texts alongside advanced mathematics to avoid confusion in learning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the adequacy of different educational backgrounds for understanding Dirac's text. There is no consensus on the best preparatory resources or the necessary depth of prior knowledge in quantum mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the depth of their prior physics courses and how that may affect their ability to understand Dirac's book. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions about the prerequisites for advanced study in quantum mechanics.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals considering advanced texts in quantum mechanics, particularly those evaluating their mathematical and physics backgrounds in relation to Dirac's work.

johnathon
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How advanced is this text? The only exposition I've had to quantum mechanics is through "The Quantum Universe" by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw. That book was a nice introduction but now I'm looking for something a lot more in depth. Would someone with a strong mathematical background but only a slight exposure to quantum mechanics be able to cope with the Dirac book?
 
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By "strong math background" I assume you have studied orthogonal functions, complex variables, PDE's, and are strong in linear algebra. How is your physics background? QM does build, after all, on classical mechanics and E&M.

Dirac's book is advanced. Starting with a standard undergrad text like Griffiths and see how it goes. You can always move up if it's too easy.
 
It was the book I learned from. I had a strong math background, but not so strong in physics. I like the book a great deal, but the biggest drawback is that there are no problems. There is a book with a similar name by Shankar that might be a better choice for a beginner.
 
Jimmy Snyder said:
It was the book I learned from. I had a strong math background, but not so strong in physics. I like the book a great deal, but the biggest drawback is that there are no problems. There is a book with a similar name by Shankar that might be a better choice for a beginner.

How much quantum mechanics was in your not so strong physics background? Does the Dirac book assume preknowledge of quantum mechanics?
 
marcusl said:
By "strong math background" I assume you have studied orthogonal functions, complex variables, PDE's, and are strong in linear algebra. How is your physics background? QM does build, after all, on classical mechanics and E&M.

Dirac's book is advanced. Starting with a standard undergrad text like Griffiths and see how it goes. You can always move up if it's too easy.

I'd say my physics background is pretty decent. I got through 3 courses from the MIT open courseware (classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, vibrations and waves). Would that be enough to go on?
 
johnathon said:
I'd say my physics background is pretty decent. I got through 3 courses from the MIT open courseware (classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, vibrations and waves). Would that be enough to go on?

About 1 month ago you were saying
I have little to no knowledge in physics but I have a very strong understanding of the main topics in maths (trig, calculus etc). What should I start with in physics and what order should I progress in? What're the main topics I should know? I've heard of (but know nothing about) classical mechanics, relativistic mechanics, quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. Are there any other major topics I should do as well?
If you've went through these 3 courses from MIT open courses, I wonder in what depth. Just pointing this out for the other people to advise you. :smile:
 
fluidistic said:
About 1 month ago you were saying
If you've went through these 3 courses from MIT open courses, I wonder in what depth. Just pointing this out for the other people to advise you. :smile:

Yep. I've been extremely determined over the past month and have gotten through all that. Luckily I can pick up new concepts very quickly. Each course in the open courseware is about 25 lectures at one hour each, so they're pretty in depth (hope I'm not giving the impression that I rushed through it, I've just had the combination of a ton of spare time and eagerness)
 
If you were able to zoom through the MIT lectures so quickly then why not work your way
through Leonard Susskind's theoretical physics video lectures?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Susskind#Lectures
web.mac.com/clinton_lewis/Welkin_Sky/Susskind_Lectures_List.html

Judging by your past experience this is exactly what you're looking for.
Also, to test whether you've learned much from Lewin's lectures you should pick up a copy
of https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070257345/?tag=pfamazon01-20
If you're having problems with this then just save yourself innumerable headaches by picking
up a standard physics book & just laying into it as you simultaneously develop more
advanced mathematics.
 

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