self learning

[harls]

im relatively new to the whole quantum mechanics and quantum physics and everything, i was wondering if anyone had any ideas for books i can read or websites i can look at to help with my basic knowledge of this whole broad subject. im trying to teach myself the basics, and i apologize if i put this in the wrong forum

[PaulS1950]

I am new too but at 60 years old I can tell you that I have had some problems understanding the math and the theories. There is no way for me to tell the difference between the crack-pots and the scientists - and i have been accused of being a crack pot because of it. I think I have come to an aceptance (and partial understanding) of the expansion of space. I still have problems with why... or how but I stay close to these forums and ask lots of stupid questions - sometimes i get help - on other forums I get more accusations than help.

Try not to make assumptions and word your questions as well as you can. Then ignore the crap and just try to follow those willing to help.

good luck to us both!

Paul

[toastywombel]

im relatively new to the whole quantum mechanics and quantum physics and everything, i was wondering if anyone had any ideas for books i can read or websites i can look at to help with my basic knowledge of this whole broad subject. im trying to teach myself the basics, and i apologize if i put this in the wrong forum

 

Well you can go with wikipedia,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_concepts_of_quantum_mechanics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Introduction_to_quantum_mechanics

The above are non-technical, and an easier read.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics

This one involves the math and technicalities, a more difficult read.

 

http://www.newscientist.com/topic/quantum-world

This link is a collection of recent news articles relating to quantum mechanics.

 

I would also recommend several books one being,

 

the Quantum World

http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-World-Princeton-Science-Library/dp/0691023883

 

A Brief History of Time, and the Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawking.

http://www.amazon.com/Brief-History-Time-Stephen-Hawking/dp/0553380168

 

http://www.amazon.com/Universe-Nutshell-Stephen-William-Hawking/dp/055380202X

 

 

 

Also there are some great Youtube videos, you can just go to Youtube and do a general search, but below is the link to the SFN youtube channel. I have a Quantum Mechanics playlist that includes full lectures from MIT and Stanford plus some other good videos.

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/scienceforums#p/c/328F3DF13C3BDF90

 

Here are some other good links.

I hope this helps.

[adapa]

im relatively new to the whole quantum mechanics and quantum physics and everything, i was wondering if anyone had any ideas for books i can read or websites i can look at to help with my basic knowledge of this whole broad subject. im trying to teach myself the basics, and i apologize if i put this in the wrong forum

 

I am new too but at 60 years old I can tell you that I have had some problems understanding the math and the theories. There is no way for me to tell the difference between the crack-pots and the scientists - and i have been accused of being a crack pot because of it. I think I have come to an aceptance (and partial understanding) of the expansion of space. I still have problems with why... or how but I stay close to these forums and ask lots of stupid questions - sometimes i get help - on other forums I get more accusations than help.

Try not to make assumptions and word your questions as well as you can. Then ignore the crap and just try to follow those willing to help.

good luck to us both!

 

I'm a self teacher too. Here is a resource that I find to be useful: http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/DE/DE.aspx

This one is great for brushing up on the math. If you follow along with the exercises, he makes it very understandable. Pay close attention to the sections on Matrices and Eigenvectors because operators in quantum theory act like matrices on states which are similar to vectors. Also, basis states are similar to unit length eigenvectors. This site also has links to calculus so that you can brush up on integration if you need to.

 

Also as previously implied, Leonard Susskind is an excellent teacher and has some great video lectures on quantum mechanics here :http://newpackettech.com/Resources/Susskind/PHY25/QuantumMechanics_Overview.htm

 

I think that you will get the most out of these lectures if you take ample notes. Also, I find that using the rewind and the pause buttons helps considerably.

Edited April 22, 2010 by adapa