12A Scattering
TLDRThis YouTube video introduces viewers to the critical subject of scattering in theoretical physics, covering both classical and quantum mechanics with a focus on the latter. The host recommends various books for understanding scattering, from classical physics textbooks like Goldstein and Jackson to quantum mechanics books by Barton and Weinberg. The video highlights the importance of scattering in gaining insights into elementary particle physics and emphasizes the availability of detailed treatments in monographs and Dover editions for those seeking a deeper dive into the subject.
Takeaways
- 📚 The video discusses the importance of scattering theory in theoretical physics, covering both classical and quantum mechanics but focusing mainly on the latter.
- 🌟 Scattering theory is often a challenging subject and is typically taught at the end of a quantum mechanics course.
- 📘 Classical physics books, such as Goldstein, include chapters on scattering theory under topics like central force problems and collision theory.
- 🌐 Classical electromagnetism books, like Jackson's, also cover scattering and diffraction in chapters dedicated to these topics.
- 🔬 Quantum mechanical scattering is crucial for understanding elementary particle physics and is a primary method of information gathering in atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics.
- 📚 There are numerous monographs on scattering theory, some dating back to the early 1960s, which provide in-depth detail on the subject.
- 📖 Dover editions offer comprehensive books on scattering theory that are often detailed and rigorous, suitable for those seeking an in-depth understanding.
- 📚 For a rigorous mathematical approach to scattering theory, Reed and Simon's volume three on functional analysis is recommended for PhD students and experts.
- 📚 Quantum mechanics textbooks usually include a chapter on scattering, with Barton Zylstra's book providing an excellent introduction, especially in one dimension.
- 📚 At the graduate level, Weinberg's 'Lectures on Quantum Mechanics' offers a detailed treatment of scattering, including potential scattering and general scattering theory.
- 📚 In quantum field theory, Weinberg's volume one also covers scattering theory, suggesting that this material is fundamental and should be taught to undergraduates or beginning graduate students.
- 📚 For a detailed yet accessible treatment of scattering at the beginning graduate or advanced undergraduate level, Taylor's book is highly recommended as it covers non-relativistic collisions and quantum mechanics in a simple and elementary manner.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the YouTube video?
-The main topic of the YouTube video is scattering theory in theoretical physics.
Why is scattering theory important in theoretical physics?
-Scattering theory is important in theoretical physics because it is a crucial method for obtaining information about elementary particles, as well as for understanding atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics.
Which subjects does the video cover in relation to scattering?
-The video covers both classical and quantum mechanics in relation to scattering theory.
What are some classical physics books mentioned that cover scattering theory?
-Some classical physics books mentioned include Goldstein's 'Classical Mechanics' and Jackson's 'Classical Electrodynamics'.
Which book is recommended for an undergraduate level understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically for scattering?
-Barton Zyback's 'Mastering Quantum Mechanics' is recommended for an undergraduate level understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically for scattering.
Which graduate-level book is highlighted for its treatment of scattering in quantum mechanics?
-Steven Weinberg's book on quantum mechanics is highlighted for its comprehensive treatment of scattering at the graduate level.
What is a notable feature of Weinberg's 'Quantum Field Theory' book regarding scattering?
-A notable feature is that Volume 1 of Weinberg's 'Quantum Field Theory' has a chapter on scattering theory that is accessible to undergraduates and beginning graduate students.
What is a recommended book for a detailed and elementary treatment of scattering at a beginning graduate level?
-John R. Taylor's book 'Scattering Theory: The Quantum Theory on Nonrelativistic Collisions' is recommended for a detailed and elementary treatment of scattering at a beginning graduate level.
Why might someone choose Dover edition books for studying scattering theory?
-Dover edition books are often chosen because they are affordable and provide comprehensive coverage of topics in scattering theory.
What is an example of a rigorous treatment of scattering theory that might be useful for PhD students?
-Volume 3 of 'Methods of Modern Mathematical Physics' by Reed and Simon offers a rigorous treatment of scattering theory and is useful for PhD students focusing on this area.
Outlines
📚 Introduction to Scattering Theory
The speaker introduces the topic of scattering theory, emphasizing its importance in both classical and quantum mechanics. They mention the relevance of scattering in various physics fields, including elementary particle physics, atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics. The speaker also highlights the availability of scattering theory in classical physics books, such as Goldstein and Jackson, and suggests that it is often a challenging subject taught towards the end of a quantum mechanics course. They introduce a new book on scattering theory and discuss the depth and detail of various books available on the subject, including monographs from the early 1960s and a four-volume work on functional analysis by Reed and Simon.
🔬 Scattering in Quantum Mechanics Textbooks
This paragraph delves into the coverage of scattering in quantum mechanics textbooks. The speaker praises Barton Zbyszek's book for its comprehensive treatment of scattering, particularly its focus on one-dimensional scattering to help understand concepts like time delay and Levinson's theorems before moving to three dimensions. They also commend Weinberg's graduate-level book for its detailed chapters on scattering, including potential scattering, the Born approximation, phase shifts, resonances, Levinson's theorem, and Coulomb scattering. The speaker notes that Weinberg's approach is more detailed and oriented toward quantum field theory, and they mention Peskin and Schroeder's book, which follows Taylor's treatment and covers cross sections and the S matrix.
📘 Recommended Readings on Scattering Theory
The speaker concludes with recommendations for further reading on scattering theory. They suggest Barton's book for undergraduates, Weinberg's lectures for graduate students, and Schiff's 1968 book for a long chapter on scattering. They also recommend Weinberg's volume one of 'Quantum Field Theory' for its chapter on scattering. For those seeking more detailed treatments, they suggest Taylor's book as an excellent starting point at an advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate level. The speaker also mentions Reed and Simon's and Watson and Goldberger's books for more advanced study. They advise starting with classical mechanics and electromagnetism books for those interested in the classical aspects of scattering.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Theoretical Physics
💡Scattering Theory
💡Quantum Mechanics
💡Classical Physics
💡Quantum Field Theory
💡Collision Theory
Highlights
Introduction to a new book on scattering theory in theoretical physics.
Scattering is a crucial subject in both classical and quantum mechanics.
Classical physics books often cover scattering in chapters like Collision Theory.
Quantum mechanics books typically include scattering as the last subject due to its complexity.
Scattering theory is vital for understanding elementary particle physics.
Many monographs on scattering theory date back to the early 1960s.
Dover books offer detailed and often inexpensive resources on scattering theory.
Functional analysis by Reed and Simon includes a volume on scattering theory.
Most quantum mechanics books conclude with a chapter on scattering.
Barton Zylinski's 'Mastering Quantum Mechanics' provides an excellent treatment of scattering in one and three dimensions.
Weinberg's 'Lectures on Quantum Mechanics' offers a comprehensive treatment of scattering for graduate students.
Peskin and Schroeder's 'An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory' includes sections on cross sections and the S Matrix.
Taylor's book is recommended for a detailed treatment of scattering at an advanced undergraduate level.
Reed and Simon or Watson and Goldberger offer advanced detail for those interested in deeper study.
Scattering theory is important for classical phenomena like blue sky waves and propagation.
The video provides a list of recommended books for studying scattering theory at various levels.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding scattering theory in both classical and quantum contexts.
Transcripts
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