Become a Physicist: Best Textbooks for Different Fields

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion identifies key textbooks for various fields of physics. For general physics, "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday is recommended. In mathematical physics, "Mathematical Physics" by Hassani and "A Course in Modern Mathematical Physics" by Szerekes are highlighted, with Szerekes noted for its advanced content. Quantum mechanics is best covered by "Principles of Quantum Mechanics" by Shankar, while "Statistical Physics" by Mandl is recommended for statistical mechanics. For nuclear physics, "Nuclear Physics: Principles and Applications" by Lilley is suggested, and "Solid State Physics" by Ashcroft and Kittel is mentioned, although opinions on Kittel's book are mixed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with fundamental physics concepts
  • Understanding of mathematical physics principles
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics basics
  • Awareness of statistical mechanics theories
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics" by Byron and Fuller
  • Explore "Classical Mechanics" by Goldstein, Arnold, and Landau
  • Investigate advanced texts on Relativity and Astrophysics
  • Review additional resources in the "Science Book Discussion" archives
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, educators seeking textbook recommendations, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of various physics disciplines.

welatiger
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To be a Physicist .....

a great welcome to all physicists,
i have some questions

1- What is the best textbook in general physics ?
2- What is the best textbook in mathematical physics ?
3- What is the best textbook in quantum mechanics ?
4- What is the best textbook in statistical mechanics ?
5- What is the best textbook in nuclear physics ?
6- What is the best textbook in solid state physics ?
Thank you very much
 
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1- Advanced Physics - Adams / Fundamentals of physics (Regular edition) - Halliday
2 - Mathematical Physics - Hassani / A course in modern mathematical physics - szerekes
3- Principles of Quantum mechanics - Shankar
4 - Statistical Physics - Mandl
5 - Nuclear physics - Krane / Nuclear Physics: Principles and Applications -Lilley
6 - I can't name any, I used Solid State Physics by Kitell, and it was really bad i think.
 


thank you very much
and i deal with you about kittel solid state
 


I'm sure there are threads in the "Science Book Discussion" archives on all of those topics.

The Szerekes book already mentioned is advanced and very modern, particularly in its coverage of algebra. An excellent reference for theoreticians, but pretty dry reading.

I really like the Dover book Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics by Byron and Fuller.
 


Yes, Szerekes is really boring and dry, and many of the examples are not so well explained.

It is however an excellent reference.

You have not asked for books on Relativity, Astrophysics, and Analytical Mechanics. Relativity and Analytical Mechanics is really important in today's physics. So you need to specify what you mean by "general physics".
 


1- best textbook in general physics: Halliday
2- best textbook in mathematical physics: Riley "undergraduates", & for postgrad u have to find book dealing extensively with geometry like: Hassani, Vaughn, Courant, Schutz
3- best textbook in quantum mechanics: Merzbacher
4- best textbook in statistical mechanics: Patheria
5- best textbook in nuclear physics: Krane, Lilley "there is no one best book"
6- best textbook in solid state physics: Ashkroft, Kittel "there is also no one best book"
7- best textbook in Classical Mechanics: Goldstein, Arnold, Landau
 

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