2 Quantum Mechanics v2

Theoretical Physics with Mark Weitzman
1 Jun 202221:34
EducationalLearning
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TLDRMark Weitzman introduces his second playlist for physics students, focusing on quantum mechanics textbooks. He recommends starting with Feynman's lectures for beginners and suggests various books for different levels, including Leighton's 'Principles of Quantum Mechanics' and Barton Zypcyk's comprehensive 'Mastering Quantum Mechanics.' Weitzman also touches on the importance of understanding foundational concepts and offers insights into graduate-level texts by Sakurai, Griffiths, Shankar, and more, emphasizing the need for multiple resources to grasp quantum mechanics fully.

Takeaways
  • 📚 Mark Weitzman introduces his second playlist on textbooks for physics students, focusing on quantum mechanics.
  • 🌟 He recommends starting with Volume 3 of the Feynman Lectures on Physics for a beginner-friendly introduction to quantum mechanics.
  • 📘 Leighton's 'Principles of Quantum Mechanics' is suggested for its comprehensive coverage, including topics often overlooked in modern textbooks.
  • 📖 Stephen Weinberg's book on quantum mechanics is considered advanced and best read after completing a quantum mechanics course.
  • 🔬 Barton Zwiebach's book is highly recommended for beginning students, as it's based on MIT and edX MOOC courses and includes exercises and solutions.
  • 📚 Sakurai's 'Modern Quantum Mechanics' is a respected text, though it's more of an outline and not entirely written by Sakurai himself.
  • 📘 Griffiths' book is popular for its ease of understanding and comprehensive chapters but lacks depth in certain areas.
  • 📚 Shankar's 'Principles of Quantum Mechanics' stands out for its focus on path integrals and a strong linear algebra review.
  • 📔 Cohen-Tannoudji's book serves as an extensive reference for quantum mechanics, covering various methods and concepts in detail.
  • 📘 Walter Greener's series offers a workbook approach with detailed calculations and examples, beneficial for learning.
  • 📚 Valentine's 'Quantum Mechanics' is a favorite for graduate students, with a unique chapter on quantum mechanics on the electromagnetic field.
  • 📘 Weinberg's graduate-level book is praised for covering unique topics like the eye canal approximation and constrained Hamiltonian systems.
  • 📔 Dirac's 'Principles of Quantum Mechanics' is a classic that provides insight into the foundational work of quantum mechanics.
  • 📘 Books by Longair and Jammer are recommended for those interested in the history, philosophy, and conceptual development of quantum mechanics.
Q & A
  • What is the recommended starting point for a beginner in quantum mechanics according to Mark Weitzman?

    -Mark Weitzman suggests starting with Volume 3 of the Feynman Lectures on Physics for its innovative approach to teaching quantum mechanics, especially the topics on probability, spin, and the introduction of the Schrödinger equation and hydrogen atom later in the book.

  • Why is the book 'Principles of Quantum Mechanics' by Leighton recommended by Mark Weitzman?

    -Weitzman recommends Leighton's book because it covers a broad range of quantum mechanics topics, starting with relativity and moving on to the Schrödinger equation, atoms, molecules, nuclei, and elementary particles, including topics like X-rays that are often overlooked in modern curriculums.

  • What is the significance of the Schrödinger equation in quantum mechanics?

    -The Schrödinger equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes how the quantum state of a physical system changes over time.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics Textbooks

Mark Weitzman introduces his second playlist focusing on quantum mechanics textbooks for physics students. He discusses the vast selection available and recommends starting with 'Volume 3 of the Feynman Lectures on Physics' for its innovative teaching approach, particularly its early introduction to probability and spin. He also suggests 'Principles of Quantum Mechanics' by Leighton for a comprehensive yet accessible overview. Weitzman emphasizes the importance of finding updated resources and touches on Stephen Weinberg's advanced book, recommending it for those who have already taken a quantum mechanics course. He highly praises Barton Zylberberg's book, based on MIT and edX MOOC courses, for its thoroughness and alignment with video lectures and exercises.

05:01
🔬 Advanced Quantum Mechanics Textbook Recommendations

The speaker delves into advanced quantum mechanics textbooks, recommending 'Modern Quantum Mechanics' by Sakurai, though noting its outline-like presentation due to the author's passing. He expresses his fondness for Griffiths' book for its clarity and comprehensiveness but points out its lack of depth in certain areas. Shankar's book is commended for its path integral focus and linear algebra review, despite needing more problems. Cohen-Tannoudji's reference book is highlighted for its exhaustive coverage of topics, and Walter Greener's workbook series is praised for its detailed calculations and examples. Valentine's book is the speaker's favorite for its unique chapters on quantum information and electromagnetic field, while Weinberg's book is noted for covering unique topics like the eye canal approximation and constrained Hamiltonian systems.

10:03
📘 Graduate Level Quantum Mechanics and Historical Context

The paragraph discusses graduate-level quantum mechanics books, emphasizing the importance of studying Dirac's 'Principles of Quantum Mechanics' for a foundational understanding.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels. It is the main theme of the video, as the speaker discusses various textbooks for students learning this subject. The script mentions Quantum Mechanics in the context of different books and courses, indicating its importance in the study of physics.
💡Feynman Lectures on Physics
The Feynman Lectures on Physics is a classic set of physics textbooks authored by Richard Feynman. In the script, it is recommended for beginners in quantum mechanics due to its innovative teaching approach, starting with probability and spin before introducing the Schrödinger equation.
Highlights

Introduction to the second version of the playlist on textbooks for physicists and physics students, focusing on quantum mechanics.

Recommendation for beginners to start with Volume 3 of the Feynman Lectures on Physics for its unique approach to teaching quantum mechanics.

Suggestion to find an updated version of Leighton's 'Principles of Quantum Mechanics' for comprehensive coverage of quantum mechanics topics.

Stephen Weinberg's book on modern physics is recommended for those who have already taken a quantum mechanics course due to its advanced content.

Barton Zwiebach's book is highly recommended for beginning students, as it is based on MIT and edX MOOC courses and includes exercises and solutions.

Zwiebach's book is praised for being like three courses in one, covering basic to advanced topics in quantum mechanics.

Sakurai's 'Modern Quantum Mechanics' is a respected graduate-level book, though it may be more of an outline than a detailed presentation.

Griffiths' book is popular for its ease of understanding but lacks depth in certain areas like Dirac bracket notation.

Shankar's book is noted for its focus on path integrals and excellent linear algebra review, though it could benefit from more problems.

Cohen-Tannoudji's reference book is comprehensive and detailed, covering various aspects of quantum mechanics extensively.

Greener's workbook series is appreciated for its detailed calculations and examples, making it a valuable learning resource.

Valentine's quantum mechanics book is recommended for graduate students, especially for its chapters on quantum information and electromagnetic field.

Weinberg's book is unique for its coverage of topics like the eye canal approximation and constrained Hamiltonian systems.

Dirac's book is a classic that provides a historical perspective and a review of quantum mechanics from one of its founding figures.

Longair's books offer insights into the historical development and philosophical aspects of quantum mechanics.

Jammer's 'The Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics' is a classic study on the conceptual development of quantum mechanics, beneficial for those familiar with the subject.

A book on quantum theory and measurement reprints early papers, providing a valuable resource for those interested in the philosophy of quantum mechanics.

The importance of owning multiple quantum mechanics books to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Transcripts
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