Quantum on Physics GRE?

Question

I am taking my GRE Physics subject test in the fall, and I am set for nearly all of the different aspects of the test except Quantum.

I will be taking Quantum in the spring, but other than that, all I have are different quantum stuff was touched upon in Nuclear and AMO, as well as some very intro stuff from Intro Physics and Modern Physics (Basic Schrodinger concepts, Wave + Particle natures of photons, Bound systems and Radioactivity)

All of this contained little math and did not delve very deep into QM.

So my question is, if I want to dedicate 25-30 hours of study to Quantum before my GRE test in the fall, what should I study? These are GRE Multiple Choice problems, so anything too mathematical won't help, but what are the key concept that could be asked on the test? I'll pick up the more difficult math in the spring when I take the actual course.

Answer 1

From my understanding I think quantum will be the 3rd largest topic in the Physics GRE besides EM and classical mechanics.      From my recollection I think question revolving around Commutation relation (know how to determine if two things commmute), Shrodinger equation (know what it looks like and know how to identify solutions for zero potential and infinite potential barriers. Not necessarily how to solve them but, that would probably help as well).  Become familiar with dirac notation   and the kroneker delta function (EM prep may be enough).  Wave n particle duality

From what I remember (I never took it, but studied for it) getting things correct on the GRE is based on how experienced you are at recognizing and working through these .  You must be at a point where you recognize patterns and problems and have a near instantaneous idea of how to answer it (based on how much you've encountered it in the past).     It is not a test based on whether you can work out the problems step by step, If you sit there and really try to think about and work out a problem you might s***w up your time management.

Answer 2

I don't think you will get the best answer here. You should try to browse the internet for that.

Answer 3

With 25-30 hours, I would say your focus should be practicing for the test.  Doing problems is by far the best way to leverage your time.

So do a couple of practice tests from one of those books that has both the problems and the solutions.  Then you can probably gauge if there are some areas that would pay dividends to study.  A physics GRE prep book would be a worthwhile investment.  If you can invest a little more, I'd think about a couple sessions with a tutor.  Do this after you've done the practice tests, you know in which areas you need to work on, you've studied those areas a bit, and you have a list of specific questions to ask to make best use of the time.