What are some recommended transitional physics books for math majors?

AI Thread Summary
A math major seeks guidance on bridging the gap between introductory physics courses and advanced topics like quantum mechanics. They have studied "University Physics" by Young and Freedman and are currently enrolled in an introductory E&M course. The discussion highlights the need for resources that connect basic physics concepts to more complex subjects. Suggested readings include the Feynman Lectures, the Berkeley Physics series, and A. P. French's books from MIT. For quantum mechanics, Isham's "Lectures on Quantum Theory" is recommended as a suitable starting point for those with a strong mathematical background. The user expresses gratitude for the recommendations, indicating they are exactly what they needed.
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I'm a math major and know a decent amount about which math texts would be good for which purpose. For instance, what you might want to read after multivariable calculus and linear algebra to get a taste of higher math, and then what you would want to read to dive in deeper etc. However, I'm next to clueless when it comes to physics. I've read Young and Freedman's "University Physics" and am taking an intro E&M course from the same text this Fall but between these basic first year courses and advanced physics...what is there? I see optics and termal physics and other seemingly tangential topics but nothing that bridges the gap between a course almost everyone takes and something interesting and challenging like quantum mechanics. Basically, can anyone suggest reading which would fill this void? Thanks in advance.
 
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I'd look at the Feynman Lectures, the Berkeley Physics series, and the books by A. P. French (MIT).

For QM, Isham's Lectures on Quantum Theory might be a good start for a mathematically inclined person.
 
Daverz said:
I'd look at the Feynman Lectures, the Berkeley Physics series, and the books by A. P. French (MIT).

For QM, Isham's Lectures on Quantum Theory might be a good start for a mathematically inclined person.

Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit! This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks.
 
The book is fascinating. If your education includes a typical math degree curriculum, with Lebesgue integration, functional analysis, etc, it teaches QFT with only a passing acquaintance of ordinary QM you would get at HS. However, I would read Lenny Susskind's book on QM first. Purchased a copy straight away, but it will not arrive until the end of December; however, Scribd has a PDF I am now studying. The first part introduces distribution theory (and other related concepts), which...

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