What should i study for Quantum Mechanics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the prerequisites for studying quantum mechanics, including necessary fields in physics, mathematics, and chemistry. Participants explore the foundational knowledge required before delving into quantum mechanics, particularly for those considering graduate-level studies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about where to begin studying quantum mechanics and seeks guidance on prerequisite fields in physics and mathematics.
  • Another participant suggests a comprehensive background in mathematics, including calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and operator theory, alongside foundational physics topics such as Newtonian mechanics, electromagnetism, and special relativity.
  • A different participant emphasizes that quantum mechanics is typically encountered by the second year of an undergraduate program and outlines specific mathematical and physics topics necessary for understanding introductory quantum mechanics.
  • This participant also notes that advanced studies in quantum mechanics will require knowledge of the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations of classical mechanics, as well as more advanced mathematics, including abstract algebra.
  • Some participants reference previous discussions, indicating that the advice regarding prerequisites has not changed and reiterate the importance of electromagnetism in the study of quantum mechanics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a solid foundation in mathematics and basic physics before studying quantum mechanics. However, there are differing views on the necessity of specific subjects and the timeline for encountering quantum mechanics in academic programs.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include varying interpretations of the timeline for studying quantum mechanics and differing opinions on the necessity of certain subjects like electromagnetism.

Peter25samaha
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I want to start learning quantum mechanics but i have no idea where to start . I want to know which other fileds and physics branches i have to study before quantum mechanics and if i want to go more deeply for this (like taking a graduate course ) what should i study before this in physics math and chemestery
 
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Maths, calculus, differential equations, linear algebra and eventually operator theory. Physics, study all the basic physics first like Newtonian mechanics, Electromagnetism, special relativity and basic modern physics. Basically what you learn in a physics course at uni, until you get to quantum in 3rd year usually.

Then pick up a friendly book like Zetilli's Quantum mechanics and work through it thoroughly, do the worked examples and some problems.
 
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Peter25samaha said:
I want to start learning quantum mechanics but i have no idea where to start . I want to know which other fileds and physics branches i have to study before quantum mechanics and if i want to go more deeply for this (like taking a graduate course ) what should i study before this in physics math and chemestery
Quantum mechanics is nowhere near a graduate-level course - you'll meet it no later than the second year of an undergraduate physics program and will still be many years of study away from the stuff that gets covered in A-level threads here.

To get through the first course in quantum mechanics, you will need
- Math: Multi-variable and vector calculus, elementary complex analysis, elementary and multi-variable differential equations, elementary linear algebra. This material is covered in more or less the second year of a college-level math program (a serious treatment of elementary differential and integral calculus is the first year).
- Physics: Classical mechanics at the level of Kleppner and Kolenkow or equivalent, E&M at the level of Purcell or equivalent, and then a semester on wave phenomena.

If you're going to go beyond introductory QM you will need the Hamilton/Lagrange formulation of classical mechanics, much more differential equations and complex analysis, and a serious course on abstract algebra. This can be studied in parallel with your intro QM class.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
The answer hasn't really changed since Thursday, the last time you asked it.
If you can see well the last time i asked about cosmology and gravity , and i asked in which branch we can put them not what to study for them
 
People can still read what you read in that thread - even the part where you think you don't need E&M to study QM. The advice there was spot on.
 

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