Quantum Mechanics Book Suggestions

IamtheWalrus

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

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

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

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

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

IamtheWalrus

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

sockpuppets

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

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

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

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

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

Thanks for the advice.

No problem, hope it helps your QM quest

krd

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