Quantum Mechanics

by Eugen Merzbacher

Rapid advances in quantum optics, atomic physics, particle physics and other areas have been driven by fantastic progress in instrumentation (especially lasers) and computing technology as well as by the ever-increasing emphasis on symmetry and information concepts-requiring that all physicists receive a thorough grounding in quantum mechanics. This book provides a carefully structured and complete exposition of quantum mechanics and illustrates the common threads linking many different phenomena and subfields of physics.

Genres: Physics, Science, Quantum Mechanics, Nonfiction, Textbooks

672 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfection.

[Sean Stromberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a really comprehensive treatment of QM that maintains a consistent presentation throughout the book. I really enjoyed that it motivates the Schrodinger equation from the Hamilton-Jacobi equation of classical mechanics. This puts the book in a weird place though, because it's an introduction to QM, but you probably won't see things like the HJE until graduate school. Nevertheless, it remains one of my favorite books.

[Curtis Penner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rating is based on the structure of the textbook. The textbook is focused for graduate level. When reading it you should understand it will approach the subject at that level. Now, why only 3 stars for the second edition as the third edition might have improved.

This textbook had virtually no examples. Mr. Merzbacher provided Exercises that the reader would have to work out (hopefully). Many times it appeared that he would just pull things out of thin air, and would say, "It works.". There was no explanation as to why or where did this come from.

Was the book complete? Yes. It went through the check list. But it was as dry as a check list. It was correct in its mathematics and physics. No complaints, but no applause.

This was not my first Quantum Mechanics book, both undergraduate and graduate. Maybe I expected more, but it didn't deliver.

As a reference book, it could fill that role. As a textbook for learning (particularly for autodidactic) not so much. This book would be okay with a good instructor discussing it.

I would group this with Messiah's Quantum Mechanics book(s), in that it covers the material but wouldn’t recommend it.

[Mücahit · Rating 3 out of 5]

schrödinger equations

[Jonathanstray Stray · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked my other quantum textbook better, to be honest. Never read much of this one, but it looked good on the shelf.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too difficult and dense for a textbook but great as a reference after the class is over.