Quantum Mechanics Book Suggestions

IamtheWalrus · 30-12-2011 10:30PM #1

Hi all,

My next scientific target is quantum physics. I do not have a mathematical background so I'd like to find a book that explains quantum mechanics in lay man's terms (yea right!).

I have thought about Brian Cox's new one but the Amazon reviews are that favourable. Most say it's very difficult. I'm willing to put in the effort but I want to find an introductory text before I read more detailed books.

Can anyone recommend one? Preferably an up-to-date one..

Any suggestions are welcome.

Walrus

sockpuppets · 30-12-2011 10:36PM

I found this a good read.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quantum-Guide-Perplexed-Jim-al-Khalili/dp/1841882380/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1325280881&sr=8-3-spell

IamtheWalrus · 30-12-2011 10:49PM

sockpuppets wrote: »

I found this a good read.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quantum-Guide-Perplexed-Jim-al-Khalili/dp/1841882380/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1325280881&sr=8-3-spell

Did it teach you much about QM?

sockpuppets · 30-12-2011 11:00PM

Like yourself I wanted to make an attempt at understanding QM, and this book was where i started. It was a good place to start for me anyway, as it is an easy read with some nice illustrations to go along with the theory, and I've gone on to read more books on the subject. I'm actually reading the new Brian Cox book at the moment and I am enjoying it. So for me it was a good introduction.

IamtheWalrus · 30-12-2011 11:08PM

Sounds perfect. Do you suggest reading the book before Cox's or will I go straight to Cox?

IamtheWalrus · 30-12-2011 11:16PM

Where did you buy it? Amazon says it'll take 7-23 days..

sockpuppets · 30-12-2011 11:23PM

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

Sounds perfect. Do you suggest reading the book before Cox's or will I go straight to Cox?

well i'm glad i started with it, because its pretty easy to read and kept my interest. There are good illustrations to guide you, where as the brian cox book is a little more text heavy, but it is written well.

sockpuppets · 30-12-2011 11:26PM

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

Where did you buy it? Amazon says it'll take 7-23 days..

which one? got the brian cox book for xmas and the other book i bought off amazon last year.

IamtheWalrus · 30-12-2011 11:28PM

sockpuppets wrote: »

which one? got the brian cox book for xmas and the other book i bought off amazon last year.

I've ordered the '... perplexed one'. Here's hoping.

Thanks for the advice.

sockpuppets · 30-12-2011 11:32PM

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

I've ordered the '... perplexed one'. Here's hoping.

Thanks for the advice.

No problem, hope it helps your QM quest

krd · 31-12-2011 09:48AM

This is good. At the bottom of this page is a copy of Jim Baggott's The Meaning of Quantum Theory. The page is interesting too.

http://sdsu-physics.org/physics180/physics180B/Topics/modern/phys180Bch28.html

Quantum Mechanics Book Suggestions

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