Advice for Adam: Physics Books for a Junior Major

[the ads 13]

Hi,
I'm a junior physics major intending on a PhD in physics. I was wondering what books physicists recommend? I would like to read A Breif History of Time but I think I know most of the things in the book and would like something more advanced with plenty of math. Occupation wise, I am stuck between wanting to research the very big (the cosmos) or the very small (particles, quarks, etc.). Any recommendations will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[dimwatt]

Hey I'm in your exact position as an up and coming junior majoring in physics. I have also had a tough time finding books that are aimed at my curiosities, while appealing to my level of understanding. I haven't had much success, but, if you ever feel like reading something intriguing that isn't too dense, I did find that try Ernst Mach makes a good and often illuminating read on the philosophy of physics moreso,. For example, History of the Conservation of Energy was a good one.

 

[TehBigBoss]

Feynman's Lectures on Physics. I'm guessing you've already heard of it considering the fact that you're a physics major. It provides THE BEST overview of most if not all topics and branches of physics. I'm currently a junior too and I'll tell you it is very challenging at points but very rewarding to be able to understand and apply Feynman's intuition towards science as a whole.

Volume 1: mechanics
Volume 2: e&m
Volume 3: quantum

 

[the ads 13]

Alright, thanks for the replies guys.

 

[the ads 13]

Also TehBigBoss, I am researching Feynman's books and see that there's some other works called "Six Easy Pieces" and "Six Not So Easy Pieces." Are these Feynman's lectures in a condensed form?

 

[TehBigBoss]

Nope. Six easy pieces are the first six chapters of volume one of the FLP (Feynman Lectures On Physics). Its a bit pricey I know but being a physics major yourself I would just add it to this semester's textbook list. If money is a serious issue I would just get the PDF which can be found from a quick Google search. But I got to tell you those three volumes will look good on anyone's desk.

I think the other one is just six harder lectures pulled from all the other lectures and volumes. Not 100% sure if its cross volume or just from volume three.

Download the PDF files. Fall in love. Buy the three volume set. That's what I did.

 

[the ads 13]

Haha alright thanks, will do.