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Does anyone here know Quantum Mechanics?

Schrodenger's cat can explain it all!!!

or read about it on Brewster Rockitt on yahoo comics, Sept.24th issue
 
hmm im pretty sure its above your head if you have to come here and ask how to learn it. if you are ready to learn something like QM you would probably know how to find out by yourself. like cyclowizard said, find a book or take a class. the undergrad version isnt even that bad, though. graduate classes are much more difficult.
 
I guess if you really wanted a book, get the standard undergrad QM book: Intro to Quantum Mechanics by Griffiths. It won't mean much without some linear algebra (which actually is covered in an appendix in the book...) and a basic knowledge of calculus.
 
If you want to learn some basic QM take an undergrad materials science or 2nd year physics course. Those should cover the basics (particle in a box, schroedinger equation etc..)
 
You could always find some of those shows on PBS (Nova?) and learn QM that way. But dont do grad QM, it will be like using your toothbrush to saw off your weaner.....
 
Is it anything like Auto Mechanics? I knew some guys in Diesel Mechanics once, but they got kicked out because they told dirty jokes over the Vo-tech PA system. I can't believe they threw away their whole career for a few laughs.
 
Originally posted by: earthman
Is it anything like Auto Mechanics? I knew some guys in Diesel Mechanics once, but they got kicked out because they told dirty jokes over the Vo-tech PA system. I can't believe they threw away their whole career for a few laughs.
Click to expand...

its kinda like auto mechanics except with cars smaller than a proton.
 
You need to know some basics from mechanics and e&m before you can jump to quantum. Knowing E&M pretty much makes you learn linear algebra, so it's not a good idea to skip that subject if you want to learn quantum.

Some standard references: Sakurai, Feynman, Shanker, Landau/Lifshitz, Eisberg/Resnick, Griffiths
 
Originally posted by: Darien
You need to know some basics from mechanics and e&m before you can jump to quantum. Knowing E&M pretty much makes you learn linear algebra, so it's not a good idea to skip that subject if you want to learn quantum.

Some standard references: Sakurai, Feynman, Shanker, Landau/Lifshitz, Eisberg/Resnick, Griffiths
Click to expand...

I don't think I ever used linear algebra in E&M. That stuff is almost purely appiled vector calculus. Like 99% of it.

Quantum uses a lot of linear algebra though.
 
I'm taking the undergrad class on QM right now.

It's not fun, especially considering I don't remember a single thing from diffy Q's.
We haven't gotten into anything that requires linear algebra yet though
 
is linear algebra supposed to be the easiest class ever created? im wondering if im in the wrong one because alot of people told me it was hard for them but im finding that attending this class is a waste.
 
There is actually a difference between "real" quantum mechanics and quantum PHYSICS . The latter deals with the actuall physics and you can actually unserstand the basics and solve problems without much algebra, basically you need to know how to solve overlap integrals.

However, in a class on quantum mechanics based on e.g. the book by Sakurai you will actually not learn that much physics (you are suppose to know what e.g. a wave function is from the introductory course in quantum physics), it is mostly math.
Quantum mechanics is basically algebra with some convenient notation (such as bra-ket notation for the base functions), you learn a lot of methods (pertubation theory and so on) that is needed for solving real problems in e.g. condensed matter physics or atomic physics-
A lot of time is also spent on learning the basic properties of Hilbert space.

A good book on quantum physics is "Quantum Mechanics" by Robinett.
 
Originally posted by: TheoPetro
is linear algebra supposed to be the easiest class ever created? im wondering if im in the wrong one because alot of people told me it was hard for them but im finding that attending this class is a waste.
Click to expand...

must be early in the semester? Wait a little bit.
Then again, if you're good in math, it's all easy (most of it anyway)
 
Originally posted by: DrPizza
Originally posted by: TheoPetro
is linear algebra supposed to be the easiest class ever created? im wondering if im in the wrong one because alot of people told me it was hard for them but im finding that attending this class is a waste.
Click to expand...

must be early in the semester? Wait a little bit.
Then again, if you're good in math, it's all easy (most of it anyway)
Click to expand...

it's probably cause you're jumping into it right after calculus.

LinAlg was probably the easiest college math class I ever took (out of 4), The beginning is extremely basic, but it gets a little funky in the second half of the course.
 
Originally posted by: makken
Originally posted by: DrPizza
Originally posted by: TheoPetro
is linear algebra supposed to be the easiest class ever created? im wondering if im in the wrong one because alot of people told me it was hard for them but im finding that attending this class is a waste.
Click to expand...

must be early in the semester? Wait a little bit.
Then again, if you're good in math, it's all easy (most of it anyway)
Click to expand...

it's probably cause you're jumping into it right after calculus.

LinAlg was probably the easiest college math class I ever took (out of 4), The beginning is extremely basic, but it gets a little funky in the second half of the course.
Click to expand...

ya maby thats it. anyway sorry didnt mean to take this one. back to the topic
 
from what ive read unless you can do a lot of super complex math in your head than QM might be extremely difficult to understand. hence, is why u need to invent the matrix and it will all make sense instantly.
 
Please don't flame me for this, but Quantum Mechanics differs depending on who you talk to. Physicists will talk about Schrodinger's cat and such where as chemists talk about Dirac and Slater... To me, it seems that if you want a layperson's more informed view of QM, talk to the physics people ( or find physics books). If you want maths, theory, and all the gory details, talk to the chemists (or chemistry books).

Whats even more confusing is that these two groups who are essentially talking about the same things, use entirely different languages. Its funny when you bring them in a room together and force them to talk. They need to break out the translation dictionaries first... 🙂
 
The Elegant Universe is about string theory, not "normal" quantum physics.

It is important to understand that 99% of the people that "use" quantum physics are not really working on anything as exotic as string theory of cosmology.
Quantum physics is the basis for semiconductor physics, solid state physics, surface physics etc. No to mention modern chemistry where it is used for almost everyhing.



 
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