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I would like to start learning about symmetries in physics and how they affect physical quantities. As far as I know, the mathematical language that describes symmetries is the Group Theory. So, I think the best start would be getting deep in this theory. Although there are many books on that topic, I would like to find one that would be written in a very simple way, for beginners, with many examples, preferably in the physical context. Could anyone suggest such a book?

Note: I would like to study graphene and other 2D materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides.

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  • $\begingroup$ I think you need to specify what field you're interested in to get good answers! If you're interested in symmetry in crystallography, you'll need a different answer than for symmetry in particle physics. Or, you could be talking about how conservation of energy/momentum/angular momentum follow from symmetry laws in classical and quantum mechanics, which is a fact that requires almost no group theory! $\endgroup$
    – user12029
    Commented Jan 28, 2016 at 4:25
  • $\begingroup$ I would like to study graphene and other 2D materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides. $\endgroup$
    – Capo Mestre
    Commented Jan 28, 2016 at 4:34
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    $\begingroup$ Close voters: Last I checked, resource recommendations are still on topic here. $\endgroup$
    – Kyle Kanos
    Commented Jan 28, 2016 at 11:24

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opinion based question, so it may be closed.

The author Vincent (family name) has a very good introduction to group theory for molecules.

I like this book as it has questions for you to answer as you go along so you really learn it as you read.

If you are interested in solid state then you will have to go further to space groups with another text - this text deals with point groups.

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Chapter 23 of Sadri Hassani's Mathematical Physics provides a solid, for a physicist, introduction to group thoery in general. This includes representation theory also. Having a bit of mathematical understanding of concepts actually helps, to understand the jargon and grasp the true meaning of equations, in my opinion.

Then read parts of Dresselhaus's book as and when needed. Also focus on the exact topic you want to know, group theory and its representations are a huge topic; even if you only want to parts relevant for a condensed matter physicist.

Oh, noticed that it is quite old question. Still, may be relevant, I hope.

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