# Learn algebra and interpretation of QM

+ 4 like - 0 dislike
240 views

I have a good undergrad knowledge of quantum mechanics, and I'm interesting in reading up more about interpretation and in particular things related to how QM emerges algebrically from some reasonable real world assumptions. However I want to avoid the meticulous maths style and rather read something more meant for physicists (where rigorous proofs arent needed and things are well-behaved ;) ) I.e. I'd prefer more intuitive resources as opposed to the rigorous texts.

Can you recommend some reading to get started?

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-30 15:58 (UCT), posted by SE-user Gerenuk
retagged Jul 16, 2014

+ 6 like - 0 dislike

An excellent book which does more or less what you ask for is Asher Peres' "Quantum theory:concepts and methods". It starts from the Stern-Gerlach experiments and logical reasoning to develop the basic principles of quantum mechanics. From there, it develops the necessary algebra.

Another interesting book for an approach of the conceptual side of quantum mechanics is "Quantum Paradoxes" by Aharonov and Rohrlich. But to fully appreciate this one, I think you will need to go through a standard curriculum first.

Then, there is "Quantum computation and Quantum Information" by Nielsen and Chuang, which is meant as an introduction to the ideas of QM as applied to information theory for people with an informatics background mostly. So it also starts from an algebraic and conceptual approach.

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-30 15:58 (UCT), posted by SE-user Raskolnikov
answered Sep 6, 2011 by (260 points)
NB: Errata for the Aharonov/Rohrlich textbook can be found here.

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-30 15:58 (UCT), posted by SE-user Glen The Udderboat
+ 3 like - 0 dislike

Anthony Sudbery, Quantum Mechanics.... is an excellent text which emphasises the theory and interpretation rather than the drill problems...in fact he is a mathematician and quantum information theorist and this book is not so useful for someone who needs to bone up on their perturbation theory and get ready for QED, it focuses on what it sounds like you are especially interested in.

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-30 15:58 (UCT), posted by SE-user joseph f. johnson
answered Dec 1, 2011 by (490 points)
+ 1 like - 0 dislike

For matrix mechanics (mixed with a bit of schrodinger), see the NPTEL Lectures.

For path integrals, see Feynman, Hibbs (and Styer) Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals.
This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-30 15:58 (UCT), posted by SE-user Dimensio1n0

answered Aug 24, 2013 by (1,955 points)
+1 It's worth mentioning that the Feynman and Hibbs you refer to is the version "emended" by Styer and put into print since 2005 (as opposed to the original, which is out of print). See amazon.com/Quantum-Mechanics-Path-Integrals-Emended/dp/… PS: I'd never seen "emend" in English before today!: the OED tells me that it is seldom used, it is the middle English root emenden of the more modern amend and, if used, always means to amend a scholarly work as opposed to simply change a general work. So it's Prof. Styer being pedantic!

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-30 15:58 (UCT), posted by SE-user WetSavannaAnimal aka Rod Vance

 Please use answers only to (at least partly) answer questions. To comment, discuss, or ask for clarification, leave a comment instead. To mask links under text, please type your text, highlight it, and click the "link" button. You can then enter your link URL. Please consult the FAQ for as to how to format your post. This is the answer box; if you want to write a comment instead, please use the 'add comment' button. Live preview (may slow down editor)   Preview Your name to display (optional): Email me at this address if my answer is selected or commented on: Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications. Anti-spam verification: If you are a human please identify the position of the character covered by the symbol $\varnothing$ in the following word:p$\hbar$ysicsO$\varnothing$erflowThen drag the red bullet below over the corresponding character of our banner. When you drop it there, the bullet changes to green (on slow internet connections after a few seconds). To avoid this verification in future, please log in or register.