Quantum Physics For Dummies

by Steven Holzner

Quantum Physics For Dummies helps make quantum physics understandable and accessible. From what quantum physics can do for the world to understanding hydrogen atoms, readers will get complete coverage of the subject, along with numerous examples to help them tackle the tough equations. Compatible with classroom text books and courses, Quantum Physics For Dummies lets students study at their own paces and helps them prepare for graduate or professional exams. Coverage

Genres: Science, Physics, Nonfiction, Quantum Mechanics, Reference, Mathematics, Science Nature

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2009

Reviews

[Les Gehman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not for dummies. If it were presented as a supplement to a quantum physics textbook, I'd give it four stars. As a "for Dummies" book, I'm afraid it's a failure. I came into this book just having finished String Theory For Dummies by Andrew Zimmerman Jones, which I highly recommend. String Theory for Dummies is a wonderful introduction to the very strange universe of string theory. In contrast, Quantum Physics for Dummies is an almost indecipherable, math-laden, incomprehensible "introduction" to quantum physics. The introduction states that you need a good background in college calculus including differential equations and at least a year of college physics to understand this book. The introduction does not lie. I have all these qualifications (and I'd add matrices mathematics to the requirements) and I still could not follow a lot of the math. My main problem with the book was that the author did a poor job of connecting all this math to the real world. There was very, very little qualitative discussion of quantum physics, and 90+% of the book was spent solving equations, but failing to tie the resulting equation to any physical object or phenomenon. All that said, it's not a bad book, it's just not appropriate for the "For Dummies" series.

[Vincent Russo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book was ridden with errors. Dirac notation is constantly written incorrectly and looks like it was printed in Microsoft word. Symbols are misused(21,35,etc). Page 48 incorrectly calculates eigenvectors and previously derives the uncertainty principle with some noticeable errors.

[Henry · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author was unable to present the subject comprehensibly. It spent too much time trying to water down concepts that were simple to begin with, but did not take time to explain the math or the concepts that are truly at the core of quantum physics.

I would generally not recommend this book.

[Tim]

amazon reviews of this book are hilarious -- pretty evenly divided between 5 stars and 1 star. The one star reviews are all of the form: "This isn't for dummies!" It is ridiculous that this is a 'dummies' book ... it's the real deal, and probably over my head like every other serious book I've tried to read on the subject.

[Jmp]

I must be one of the dumber dummies. No way I can read this book. Is there one for beginner dummies? I don't have a degree in physics or calculus nor do I plan to acquire one to read this book. Egads!

[Esther Rabbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who said Quantum Physics is not for everyone? For the naturally born curious, for writers (like me, who are investigating a certain topic before actually writing about it), for the young and senior, this book doesn't disappoint. I am a declared fan of the "For Dummies" series, mostly because my expertise never encompassed this world, yet I'm curious enough to give it a try, in part because I don't want to make a complete ass of myself if (ever) the conversation arises.
So yeah, with certain limitations, but I still want to keep up.

[Stan Paulsen]

I bought this book more as a trophy than anything else. For many years now I've used an example of someone trying to explain something very complex in simple terms so anyone could understand it as being as absurd as someone writing a Quantum Theory for Dummies book. Well, here it is. When I saw it I laughed out loud and had to buy it. Wouldn't you know it, the first page I flipped to had some calculus and differential equations. Take that you dummy!

[Huckle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for dummies. When I read this I was 14, hoping to be introduced to the subject like all for dummies books. But this book aimed for people who have quite a bit of knowledge under their belt. And by a bit I mean a lot. I have a passion for physics and space, but this book was not helpful at all. The first pages start off with complicated mathematics that you’d need a college degree to understand. I’ll read it in a few years once I do have that degree though!

[Bill Kusmez · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far, I love this book. However, the only reason I can say this is because I have just taken Differential Equations and Linear Algebra. I also purchased the companion workbook, which is a great aid to understanding the material.

The math errors are frustrating sometimes. And like other reviews, I agree that it isn't really a Dummies book.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for the mathematics/equational side of things, but not for the general theories and insights.

[Jim George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unless you have an advanced degree in calculus this book is not for you. Mathmatical equations for Albert Einstein and Super Computers.

[Andrew]

Very heavy on mathematics. If you want a general introduction look elsewhere.

[Richard Behrens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't get through it. Too much quantum math, but learned some fundamentals. The chapter on the internal structure of a single hydrogen atom was worth the struggle.

[Phuong Nguyen Dang]

Gave up!

[Johan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I fully agree with Les. The book does an excellent job of hiding quantum mechanics behind equations. No real explanation. Just like my uni textbook ...

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a book for students who struggle with Math/Physics. You need to understand Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, quite simply all the Math and Physics that are prerequisites for Quantum Mechanics you should understand before reading the book. I have read several reviews that said remove the word "Dummies" from the title as they found the book difficult. This is from not having any of the prerequisites down. I plan to read Quantum Mechanics Demystified next then move on to more traditional books like Quantum Mechanics by Griffiths. As I struggle with Physics these two books will give me a smoother transition into Griffiths. While Some will not need to do this, even finding Griffiths book now a standard at University Undergraduate Physics too dumbed down.

The book does have one flaw, though I think this was done intentionally. You are given formulas and equations, but you are not given the steps on how they were derived. The math and manipulation of formulas, and canceling this and that was avoided because I think this is what most people get stuck on and the author wanted to avoid this. What you will get is "make sure the conditions such and such are satisfied, then you will see constants A equals this and B equals that". Also there is no examples and problems in this book. There is a separate problem book, but I have not looked at it.

For Physics the "Dummies" as well as "Demystified" series was recommended by Dermot O'Reilly. He is a Professor and has a YouTube Channel, just type his name in. I am pleased with this book and plan to read the book Einstein for Dummies next.

[Matt Raffel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is deceptive.

When I hear "for dummies" I expect the very basics are explained. Not with this book. This book jumps into statistics and discrete math by the second chapter. The math discussions are written with the assumption you already have a background in the concepts. This is NOT FOR DUMMIES!

I was looking for a book that would spend more time talking about concepts like waves verses particles, different types of particles, and discussion of things like how does Schrodinger's Cat example explain a quantum principle, etc.....

The book glosses over things that I needed explaining. Such as graph. And the explanations of the graph mention variables not shown on the graph but are clearly part of the material, yet without explanation.

[Diplodocus · Rating 1 out of 5]

As others have said, this is not 'for Dummies' at all.
I can't believe they let this into a series of which the whole premise is that it is for 'Dummies' and therefore should take at least some effort to be comprehensible by average people picking it up.

Instead, I learn that I should have a background in physics and maths before understanding this. I tried, but have no clue what's going on just a few pages in.

It's unlikely I will buy another 'for Dummies' book after this, because I feel quite mislead.

[The Grimm Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is good, but it specifically states that it focuses more on the math of quantum physics than the theory of quantum physics. Unfortunately, I was more interested in the theory. I still thought that it was a good book, but since I am not a college physics major or versed in any calculus, this book wasn't exactly what I was looking for.

[Daniel Glover · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quantum Physics for Dummies certainly wasn’t written for dummies. Not sure I really should count this as a read book based upon my comprehension. I found Six Easy Pieces: Essentials of Physics by Richard Feynman followed by Quantum: Einstein, Bohr and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality by Manjit Kumar to be far more approachable for a “Dummy”.

[Pikpixel · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book

[Magus The Fearful]

Now if anyone I respect sees this book and judge, I read it as a kid before I entered year 12 even I think 🤧

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure it's a great book if you have a pretty heavy math/calculus background. Now I'll look for something without multiple equations on every page. I tried.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to the wonderful world of quantum physics, you don’t need much to understand. Just some mild calculus knowledge and a basic understanding of physics and algebra. It offers an extremely comprehensive and clear explanation to any questions that you might think of during reading.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guess I'll try this one again.. :)

[NoOnesNME · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read it from beginning to end, but what I did read, blew my mind. Very interesting.

[Frank L · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is extremely complicated. If you are a professor in physics, you might just be able to understand it, but if you're a beginner, maybe you should try something easier first.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

As suggested at the very beginning of this book, read Physics For Dummies first, and scrub up on your high school maths (and higher)! Otherwise you'll be lost.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

[Anwar Maricar · Rating 3 out of 5]

To save myself, I'm better off watching dumb and dumber.