What are some recommended intermediate level statistical mech. and E/M books?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on recommendations for intermediate level textbooks in statistical mechanics and electromagnetism (E/M). Participants share their opinions on various books and authors that they find valuable for these subjects.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests Griffiths as the best book for E/M, while another agrees and adds that Wangsness is also highly recommended.
  • A participant advocates for Wangsness due to its consistent notation and orderly presentation.
  • For statistical mechanics, one participant recommends Reif from the Berkeley series, followed by Sears and Zemansky, and then Reif from the McGraw Hill series.
  • Another participant supports Griffiths for E/M and suggests Schroeder for statistical mechanics, noting its affordability and effectiveness as an undergraduate resource.
  • A later reply mentions Jackson and Cheng as good E/M books, suggesting that a comprehensive study of all three could be beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying preferences for textbooks, indicating multiple competing views on the best resources for both statistical mechanics and E/M. No consensus is reached on a single recommended book.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not provide specific criteria for what constitutes "intermediate level," and there may be differing interpretations of the content and difficulty of the suggested books.

theFuture
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I'm looking for good intermediate level statistical mech. and E/M books. Any suggestions?
 
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As far as EM books go, the best one is by Griffiths. The book by Wangsness is also highly recommended.
 
Wangsness is the book to learn from, consistent notation, and an orderly presentation.

For staistical mechanics, try Reif, in the Berkeley series, then go on to Sears and Zemansky, followed by Reif from the McGraw Hill series.
 
Thanks a lot for the suggestions.
 
Griffiths for E&M is great.
I would suggest Schroeder for Stat Mech, it is very good (and half the price). I used it as an undergraduate.
 
Em

Hi

Apart from Griffiths, Jackson and Cheng are good books too...if you want to read EM in depth, a good look at all three is a good idea...

Cheers
Vivek
 

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