Schaum's Outline of Quantum Mechanics, Second Edition: Second Edition

This outline series is generally excellent, and Quantum Mechanics is no exception. Co-authored by Hecht, one of the great physics authors of our time, this book provides a efficient overview of all the fundamentals of QM. One should, by no means, take this material as a substitute for a lecture, or textbook, but rather truly a supplement to the course being taken at the time. Many of the solved problems were found to parallel the homework problems given by the professor, which can be useful in a course where professors often fail to give first order examples which can be very useful to a student. I also found that the solved problems involving derivations were particularly helpful to gain an understanding of the material.I used this book for two semesters of quantum, and will likely refer back to it for useful formulas.Helped me get my A in an otherwise difficult two semesters of Quantum! =]

I am in a Nuclear Engineering PhD program and avoid Quantum Mechanics as much as possible. Sometimes this is unavoidable and this Shaum's outline has been a much needed crutch for me. Loaded with example problems, starting with introductory harmonic oscillator type problems and getting more complex as you progress. My only complaint is that a lot of the examples in a section build the initial example problem worked at the beginning of the section and tweak that one. I learn better by seeing similar problems worked multiple times and can better interpolate when I have two or more examples as opposed to just one (can't fit a line with only one point...nerd joke). Other than that, this a great supplement to a quantum mechanics or nuclear physics class.

Good

Excellent problems and solutions. Very well and clearly written. Just what students in advanced undergraduate and introductory graduate level courses on quantum mechanics need. Thanks Israel.

This is the missing link for understanding introductory Quantum Mechanics problems. Multiple examples of the schrodinger equation are explored in various potential wells / tunneling examples. Even and Odd equations are not covered thoroughly. The hamiltonian operator is explained along with an overview of commonly used mathematical operations. This book carries through to higher level classes like quantum field theory and scatter theory .

The Schaum's Outlines of Quantum Mechanics has many excellent solved examples and pertinent theory. I appreciate all those examples of quantum mechanics. The basic equation of quantum mechanics is the Schrodinger equation which is presented but Not Derived in this book. This equation did not fall from the sky onto Schrodinger's lap, rather it had to be derived. Without the derivation of the equation, there is less understanding of it, and no insight into some eigen functions. The derivation is presented in other books but not everybody has those other books, and so this book is thus not stand-alone. I happen to have other books and I have a complete derivation of the Schrodinger equation in my notebook (email: luis_ed_londono@yahoo.com)

I find that Schaums books range from ones that can be used almost as textbooks, to those which are very, very abbreviated and possibly useful as an aide-memoire for those familiar with the material. If the latter is what you are looking for, go ahead. I just wanted a brief overview to put into perspective some concepts that I have read about in my mathematics and other study, and this didn't really do the job. I think its appeal is limited, admittedly though there are not a lot of options for introductory but reasonably rigorous material.

I used this book to help with an intro to QM class, was a great help answered some questions that were tough..... all in all it was great for a helper and for the money was good. My professor even asked where i got it so he could have some of his other students get it.