Quantum Physics- what is it?

[Kutan]

So apparently there's a book on Quantum Physics in my school's library. Last Friday, I figured I'd give it a quick look. It was like reading another language, I had to put it back, for the risk of head implosion was just too great. Is there anyone here that's a Quantum Physicist or interested deeply in Quantum Mechanics that can tell me about it? Or is there anyone that would like to give their thoughts on Quantum Mechanics? I'm just trying to start a discussion possibly. :)

[Jay-qu]

Hey Kutan,

 

Dont be discouraged if it looks like another language because, well it kinda is! :)

 

I have been studying quantum for a few years of it and I have bearly even scratched the surface, at the moment I think I need to improve my mathematical knowledge before I can delve any further.

 

What is it specifically that you want to know?

[Kutan]

Heh, well, I guess I want to know everything about it without being thrown off by technical mumbo-jumbo that I can't understand. My goal in life is to become a Quantum Physicist and I just want to learn all that I can.

[sanctus]

Well then reading that book would be a good direction...

I'm just curious how can you say you want to become a Quantum physicist without knowing much of it?

[Jay-qu]

Im guessing you mean you want to start without the technical mumbo jumbo - because without it your not going to get very far towards your life goal

 

I dont have time to give much of a description now, but I can recommend that you go read some books - one of my favorites was 'The Emperors New Mind' by Roger Penrose. It gives a great intro to quantum, among other things :)

[Kutan]

Well then reading that book would be a good direction...

I'm just curious how can you say you want to become a Quantum physicist without knowing much of it?

 

Well, it's not a good direction as of now... It's not really an intro to Quantum Physics, it assumes you know what the hell they're talking about when they express formulas and such. Also, I want to be a Quantum Physicist but I only realized that I wanted anything to do with Physics less than a year ago, so I haven't had much experience, and I can't even take a Physics class in High School... The prerequisite is Chemistry, and I couldn't take Chemistry in 10th or 11th due to certain complications... So.. Yeah, that's basically it.. It's just a whole mess. :shrug:

 

All In All, I'm having a tough time learning any Physics on the side, instead of in a classroom.

[Jay-qu]

I dont know what its like where you are from but here you can study physics at university without having done any physics before. The main pre-req is that you know some math :shrug:

[Erasmus00]

Well, it's not a good direction as of now... It's not really an intro to Quantum Physics

 

Here is the truth: to really understanding what quantum physics is getting at requires a fairly deep understanding of classical (non-quantum) physics. Because of this, the absolute best place to start is with a really good introduction to mechanics textbook. Kleppner and Kolenkow is the best intro book I know, though its very challenging (though the chapter on 4 vectors in relativity is very outdated.) The goal is to get comfortable expressing ideas with mathematics (particularly calculus). The more comfortable you get, the easier it gets to develop ideas mathematically.

-Will

[koantum]

Two places you may want to give a try:

 

This Quantum World (the web site)

 

This Quantum World (the incomplete wikibook)

[Kutan]

The goal is to get comfortable expressing ideas with mathematics (particularly calculus).

 

I think I can take Calculus next year, I guess that would be a good idea?

[Jay-qu]

I think I can take Calculus next year, I guess that would be a good idea?

Definitely a start, then you will have to go on to multivariable calculus, differential equations etc :shrug: its a fun filled road!

[Qfwfq]

If you're in high school Kutan, and you want to seriously follow the path to becoming a physicist, the main thing to do is not be in too much of a hurry because the path is long. You'll need to get enough math, especially calculus, and then start with classical physics with the basics. Then you'll want to learn analytical mechanics, linear algebra and abstract geometry and at that point you're set for starting quantum. :shrug:

 

In the mean time there's nothing wrong with getting an intuitive notion of what QM is about; there are illustrations for the layperson around but they should be seen as no more than that: a vague idea of what QM means. The trouble with these is that there are many misconceptions and pitfalls around so it's hard to avoid getting caught by them. I'll have a look at koantum's wikibook, it might be a good illustration. However, even these sources often require the basics of math and classical physics, depending on how in depth they are.

 

When you have enough calculus and want to start with university level general physics, coming from high school, perhaps the most straightforward and down to earth English-Language textbook is Alonso Finn. Although there are others, and this one is not the most exiting one of them, it is considered great for getting to the point and getting things straight. When I started physics many of my fellow students had it; I chose another one which isn't likely available in English. I also had the famous Feynman lectures which are good for stirring up enthusiasm and going more in depth, but they aren't straight forward at all; they're better as a follow-up to topics.

[Kutan]

Wow, thanks a lot for the support, guys. I won't let anyone down. :)

[september_13]

... Quantum ... I've tried to read some book about it for a year with out mathematic in mind ... what's left in memories ... nothing ... like try to pump water in tank while the vale is closed ...