Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum Author: Art Friedman | Language: English | ISBN:
0465036678 | Format: PDF
Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum Description
First he taught you classical mechanics. Now, physicist Leonard Susskind has teamed up with data engineer Art Friedman to present the theory and associated mathematics of the strange world of quantum mechanics.
In this follow-up to the New York Times best-selling The Theoretical Minimum, Susskind and Friedman provide a lively introduction to this famously difficult field, which attempts to understand the behavior of sub-atomic objects through mathematical abstractions. Unlike other popularizations that shy away from quantum mechanics’ weirdness, Quantum Mechanics embraces the utter strangeness of quantum logic. The authors offer crystal-clear explanations of the principles of quantum states, uncertainty and time dependence, entanglement, and particle and wave states, among other topics, and each chapter includes exercises to ensure mastery of each area. Like The Theoretical Minimum, this volume runs parallel to Susskind’s eponymous Stanford University-hosted continuing education course.
An approachable yet rigorous introduction to a famously difficult topic, Quantum Mechanics provides a tool kit for amateur scientists to learn physics at their own pace.
- Series: The Theoretical Minimum
- Hardcover: 384 pages
- Publisher: Basic Books (February 25, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0465036678
- ISBN-13: 978-0465036677
- Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1.5 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
This is an extremely difficult book to review. Though a layman in this field, fortunately, I have researched quantum mechanics and read enough books over the last few years on the subject to do a reasonably informed job of covering the salient points:
1) I have no doubt the author feels he has attempted to construct this book in a manner that can be understood fairly easily by many. Not to be insulting to anyone, but this book is definitely not for the novice.
2) Even with some background in quantum theory, there are many portions of the dialog that went way over my head, as I suspect, it will for many.
3) If you are an average reader interested in quantum physics, I have found several other books that cover this suject in a more readily understandable way. I suggest Machio Kaku or Bernard Haisch.
4) If you are a science student - college level or above, this book could be very insightful and of value for you.
So why Four Stars??? While the ultimate value of this book will be determined by each individual reader, it is critically important that a more widespread understanding of the scientific importance of quantum mechanics is shared by a larger audience. This book contributes to that cause and contains valuable information.
By Robert Steven Thomas
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
This book covers a lot of ground in a very creative way. However, I am extremely puzzled how the kindle version was distributed with typesetting issues associated with the Dirac bracket which make it difficult to read. There was obviously no review of the electronic version. Amazon should republish a correction ASAP.
By Amazon Customer
Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum Preview
Link
Please Wait...