How Can You Start Learning Quantum Physics Before A-Levels?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to begin learning quantum physics before starting A-levels. Participants explore various resources, mathematical prerequisites, and foundational topics necessary for understanding quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in quantum physics and seeks advice on where to start, considering reading books as a potential option.
  • Another participant suggests that prior reading can be beneficial, recommending both rigorous and popular-level books, including Tipler's "Modern Physics" and Feynman's "Lectures on Physics" vol. 3.
  • Concerns are raised about the mathematical requirements for studying quantum mechanics, with questions about whether the participant's current math knowledge is sufficient.
  • A participant notes that many undergraduate books on modern physics assume knowledge of differential and integral calculus, partial derivatives, and complex numbers.
  • One participant argues that a degree specifically in quantum mechanics is no longer offered and emphasizes the broader scope of physics beyond quantum mechanics.
  • Another participant suggests that studying classical physics and mathematical analysis is ideal before tackling quantum mechanics and expresses skepticism about the suitability of certain textbooks for beginners.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of advanced mathematics, including algebra, advanced calculus, and differential equations, to understand quantum mechanics.
  • Video lectures by Feynman are mentioned as a potential resource for learning.
  • Humorous references are made to "Bob's School of Quantum Mechanics," indicating a light-hearted take on the complexities of the subject.
  • A link to a thread with a list of recommended books is provided for further exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the prerequisites for studying quantum physics, with some emphasizing the need for a strong mathematical foundation while others question the accessibility of certain resources. No consensus is reached on the best approach to begin learning quantum physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the variability in mathematical preparation among learners and the differing assumptions made by textbooks regarding prior knowledge. The discussion does not resolve these issues.

Trail_Builder
Messages
148
Reaction score
0
hi

well i am basically really liking the idea of quantum physics and find it real interesting, and think i want to do it for a degree (either that pure maths or cosmoslogy), but don't know where to begin>?

i havnt even started A-levels yet, but would like to get a head start cause i interested in it anyways, and reks i will 'just' about be able to follow it..

so should i get a book to read through? or what?

thncx
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Reading is always a good idea. It helps when you take the class to have already seen the concepts and material, even if you didn't fully understand them the first time around, and it will also satisfy your immediate curiosity. There are many books available, at both rigorous and "popular" (descriptive only/no math) levels.

In the textbook categor, Tipler, "Modern Physics" is a popular undergrad book. Feynman's "Lectures on Physics" vol. 3 is also often praised, though be warned that some people have a tough time learning from it on their own (it'll either work well or fail for you, there doesn't seem to be much middle ground). You can also search your university library for any book with "modern physics" in the title.
 
will i survive the math at my level? (small bit of a-level and gcse, but i find it all easy at this level so may understand the concept?), or will it use a whole load of stuff i have no idea about?
 
Trail_Builder said:
will i survive the math at my level? (small bit of a-level and gcse,

For the benefit of the Yanks among us who aren't familiar with the British educational system, could you be more specific about which math you've had so far? :confused:

Most second-year undergraduate "modern physics" books used in the USA, assume that you know basic differential and integral calculus. They may also assume you know about partial derivatives and complex numbers, but at least some of the books I've seen do take some time to introduce you to those topics.
 
Just to kill your delusion, nobody gets a degree in "quantum mechanics" anymore. Once you get past the basics, you'll realize that the world if physics is much larger than most people realize, and vastly more specialized that you'll believe.
 
I think the ideal would be to study classical physics and mathematical analysis before starting quantum mechanics.

Most second-year undergraduate "modern physics" books used in the USA, assume that you know basic differential and integral calculus.

I recommend avoiding these books, they are full of lies because their intended audience is not ready for QM.

Just to kill your delusion, nobody gets a degree in "quantum mechanics" anymore.

Just to kill your arrogance, I will point out that "Foundations of Quantum Mechanics" (which studies the consiquences of the basic non-relativistic formalism) is a fast growing field of specialization, in part due to interest in quantum computing and in part due to recent progress in experiments involving quantum optical effects.
 
Last edited:
Lol Umm Well, let's say it like this. The math you know right now, nope. You will need to know a vast variety of mathematics to cope with even understanding elementary Quantum Mechanics, let alone going further in the field. Try learning some Algebra, some advanced calculus, not that basic differential/integral stuff. Partial derivatives, differential equations, stuff like that, and obviously, things like classical mechanics, basic relativity etc

O and btw, Crosson, where Can I get this degree you say? I'm only 15 and I bet I knew enough 2 years ago to get that degree by the way you described it. How basic is basic?
 

Attachments

  • bobqm-small.gif
    bobqm-small.gif
    82.8 KB · Views: 606
Last edited by a moderator:
robphy said:
On a lighter note, there's always "Bob's School of Quantum Mechanics"
Right, that school takes away all the uncertainties. :-p
 
Last edited:
  • #10
robphy said:
there's always "Bob's School of Quantum Mechanics"

:smile: I remember seeing that exact same advertisement on the bulletin board in grad school, about 25-30 years ago. Now it can grace our bulletin board, too!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: atyy

Similar threads

High School Quantum Field Theory As Simple As Possible
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School Can objects in nature store light information on the quantum level?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
Undergrad Electromagnetic radiation, photons, quantized energy levels
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Born rule as an axiom or as a theorem?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Sticky
High School Guidelines for Quantum Physics Forum
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
9K
High School What exactly is quantum physics?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Start Learning Physics: Beginner's Guide to Quantum Physics
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
High School Question about quantum superposition
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Is spacetime a quantum error correcting code?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
High School How does exchange of elementary particles result in a force?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K