I'm an undergraduate physics student and realize I should learn some group theory for physics. Does anyone know any good textbooks that would be good for this? I've found the following but am not sure if any of them are good:
Group Theory and Quantum Mechanics - Michael Tinkham
Symmetry: An Introduction to Group Theory and Its Applications - Roy McWeeny
On
I am not familiar with the kind of group theory a Physics major would need. But, I learn best when the text is laced with history, anecdotes and motivation. I recommend A Book of Abstract Algebra - by Charles Pinter to start with.
On
Group theory and quantum mechanics by Michael Tinkham which you mention is the standard group theory textbook on my university for undergraduate (and graduate) physics students.
I think only the last two or three of eight chapters specifically is about quantum mechanics.
I remember thinking it was a good book when i took that course 10 years ago.
As an undergraduate physics student, I really doubt you need to delve into something as... rich as say, Dummit and Foote. I suggest Abstract Algebra by Judson. The first few chapters are on group theory. Free, open source, easy to read. Overall awesome. http://abstract.ups.edu/download.html