which is the best quantum mechanic book?

diego j

Answer
The following books are pretty much a standard in academic programs

Undergraduate:

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (2nd Edition) by David J. Griffiths
Principles of Quantum Mechanics by R. Shankar

Graduate:
Modern Quantum Mechanics (2nd Edition) by J. J. Sakurai
Quantum Mechanics/Springer Study Edition by Arno Bohm*

*This book is very tough

I think the answer you are really looking for is

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (2nd Edition) by David J. Griffiths

The author teaches the concepts in a pretty informal manner, which is good. More over, this author is on the Physics GRE committee.

What is a good overview book on Quantum Mechanics?

Pirate AM

I'm not really big into physics, so keep that in mind. I did handle Hawkins' "A Brief History of Time" fairly well. I'd like a good overview to fill in ther parts that I'm missing as well as something that would explain the problems with realism and observation.

Yeah, I don't want much.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions
Suggesting out of print books with unknown titles is not very helpful *said in a gently humorous way*. But I understand, I have a hard time remembering authors and titles.

Thanks to all for your suggestions, I hate to do it but I will probably make an arbitrary decision on best answer.

Answer
Quantum Physics For Dummies - - - Not at all a shot (some of their books are quit good for a starting point - if you're looking for a starting point).

http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Physics-Dummies-Math-Science/dp/0470381884/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233165436&sr=1-1


Possibly thereafter:
http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Field-Theory-Demystified-McMahon/dp/0071543821/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233167029&sr=1-4

or:

http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Field-Theory-Nutshell-Zee/dp/0691010196/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233167374&sr=1-1


Though, if you're starting at the very beginning of study, you'll first need a strong grasp of mathematics and general, or applied mechanics (you probably already knew that). I doubt that I can recommend something from my own collection. Most of my books are either text books from college, or great finds at sidewalk book sales along the way - and most of them are out of print anyway (slightly showing my age). Some of Max Planck's works are still in print (considered to be the founder of quantum theory), but be warned . . . he is not for the beginner!

In Search of Schrodinger's Cat - Quantum Physics and Reality was pretty good . . . Schrodinger's Kittens wasn't bad either! But, you will need a general understanding of mechanics for them, as well.

FYI: I am VERY old school when it comes to learning; I believe in a holistic approach for TRULY grasping knowledge, not a 'taste this, and then taste that' piecemeal type of study. If you don't prefer immersion into a subject, than my advice may be impractical. If you were to simply want some quick answers, Wikipedia can be helpful in satisfying that task. (I'm sure you probably already knew that, also!)

You said: "Yeah, I don't want much." . . . If you just want a Great book to read (not particularly physics - but encompassing science in general), try anything Carl Sagan - especially Cosmos (and I don't generally recommend many "books", if you know what I mean).

Not sure if any of this will be helpful . . . I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for (I feel like I may have been rambling on a bit, too!). . . but in any case . . . as always, Good Luck and Best Wishes in your search for knowledge!

EDIT: I almost forgot - If you want to just sit and absorb (TV), The Standard Deviants have a few easily digestible Physics volumes . . . I recommend these versions (a shade better - I think - and more detailed than their newer versions):

http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Deviants-Physics-Part-1/dp/6305214417/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=video&qid=1233320860&sr=8-4

http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Deviants-Physics-Part-2/dp/6305214441/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=video&qid=1233321154&sr=1-5

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