Other What type of book is best for QM and GR - math or physics?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to learning physics and mathematics, particularly for topics like Quantum Field Theory (QFT) and General Relativity (GR). It suggests starting with foundational subjects such as Newtonian mechanics and classical electrodynamics before progressing to more advanced theories. A solid understanding of mathematical concepts, including Euclidean vectors, calculus, and differential equations, is deemed essential for mastering these physics topics. The conversation also highlights the benefit of learning math in parallel with physics, as many mathematical concepts originate from physical problems. Ultimately, a balanced approach that incorporates both rigorous mathematics and practical physics is recommended for effective learning.
kent davidge
Messages
931
Reaction score
56
I decided to go deep in physics theories such as QFT, general QM and Special/General Relativity. Would it be better to spend a lot of time, say, 1+ year, learning through the most complete math books or just use books that mix math and physics to learn the necessary and suficient math and go to the physics?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Vanadium 50 said:
I think you need a more realistic goal. You're not going to get to GR in a year if you don't have vectors under control yet.
:biggrin:
 
I've also been self-learning math and physics when I was in high school. Usually I just started with a subject I was interested in and then realized what mathematical tools I needed. This is, however, indeed not the best way to learn physics. It's way better to go systematically in the "canonical order", i.e., Newtonian mechanics, then classical electrodynamics including special relativity. Then you may decide, whether to first go on with GR or quantum mechanics. For quantum mechanics also you need to get a good grip on the non-relativistic theory. QFT is more subtle.

Concerning the math you can do this in parallel, because a lot of concepts of math have their origin in physics anyway (it's not by chance that Newton discovered calculus when thinking about mechanics; on the other hand Leibniz discovered it by pure mathematical interest). In classical mechanics you need first of all Euclidean vectors, derivatives, integrals, and then some ordinary differential equations. Mathwise, I think the most challenging step is to learn the full 3D Euclidean vector calculus with div, grad, curl, as well as line, surface, and volume integrals and their various interrelations (Gauss's and Stokes's Theorems), which you need in full glory for classical electrodynamics. At the same time electrodynamics is the best subject to learn its use, together with the most important physically relevant partial differential equations, since a loarge part of classical electrodynamics is mathematically a linear field theory.

Concerning special relativity, I think the optimal order is to split it in two parts. You can already learn a part of special relativity after learning Newtonian mechanics, introducing 4D vector algebra (Minkowski space) on the same level as 3D Euclidean vector algebra. The second part then comes into the game when you have learned classical electromagnetism in the usual 3D vector-calculus way. After this you can extend your knowledge about 4D Minkowski space to full 4D vector calculus.

Before dealing with quantum mechanics, I'd also recommend to learn about "the action principle" and together with it calculus of variations and some elementary (Lie) group theory, because that's the best way to understand the heuristics of quantum mechanics.
 
  • Like
Likes kent davidge
kent davidge said:
I decided to go deep in physics theories such as QFT, general QM and Special/General Relativity. Would it be better to spend a lot of time, say, 1+ year, learning through the most complete math books or just use books that mix math and physics to learn the necessary and suficient math and go to the physics?

I wouldn't spend too long on just the mathematics. But, if you take a look at "Paul's online maths", I'd say you need everything in his Calculus courses. You may be able to learn it from there, or you may need some textbooks.

For QM you also need a good introduction to Linear Algebra and Complex Numbers.

As others have said, there are physics prerequisites as well. Classical mechanics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, EM (field theory).

But also, it's experience and familiarity with the various physical and mathematical concepts.
 
  • Like
Likes kent davidge and vanhees71
For the following four books, has anyone used them in a course or for self study? Compiler Construction Principles and Practice 1st Edition by Kenneth C Louden Programming Languages Principles and Practices 3rd Edition by Kenneth C Louden, and Kenneth A Lambert Programming Languages 2nd Edition by Allen B Tucker, Robert E Noonan Concepts of Programming Languages 9th Edition by Robert W Sebesta If yes to either, can you share your opinions about your personal experience using them. I...
Hi, I have notice that Ashcroft, Mermin and Wei worked at a revised edition of the original solid state physics book (here). The book, however, seems to be never available. I have also read that the reason is related to some disputes related to copyright. Do you have any further information about it? Did you have the opportunity to get your hands on this revised edition? I am really curious about it, also considering that I am planning to buy the book in the near future... Thanks!
This is part 2 of my thread Collection of Free Online Math Books and Lecture Notes Here, we will consider physics and mathematical methods for physics resources. Now, this is a work in progress. Please feel free comment regarding items you want to be included, or if a link is broken etc. Note: I will not post links to other collections, each link will point you to a single item. :book:📚📒 [FONT=trebuchet ms]Introductory college/university physics College Physics, Openstax...

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
16
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
23
Views
10K
Replies
32
Views
8K
Back
Top