Best books to study Oscillations and Waves

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for books on the topic of oscillations and waves, particularly in the context of preparing for a Physics Masters Entrance Exam in India. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding various textbooks, exploring their suitability for understanding the subject matter.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists four specific books recommended by their coaching institute, expressing a desire for a simple and comprehensible text similar to "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by DJ Griffiths.
  • Another participant suggests that a general physics book, such as Serway's "Physics for Scientists and Engineers," could be beneficial, mentioning that older editions are available at lower prices.
  • A participant notes that the Berkeley physics course volume on oscillations and waves is a good resource, highlighting that waves are often covered in various subtopics of physics, including mechanics and electromagnetism.
  • Some participants express a preference for new books, while others mention financial constraints affecting their choices.
  • One participant mentions purchasing A.P. French's "Oscillations and Waves" and inquires about its quality, while another participant indicates they have not yet received the book but will provide an update once it arrives.
  • A participant recommends David Morin's draft on waves and oscillations, available on his website, as a valuable resource.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on which books are most suitable for studying oscillations and waves, with no clear consensus on a single recommended text. Some participants advocate for general physics books, while others focus on specific titles related to oscillations and waves.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying experiences with book ratings on platforms like Amazon, noting that many books on oscillations and waves tend to have lower ratings compared to other physics textbooks. Financial constraints also play a role in participants' decisions regarding book purchases.

Slimy0233
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I was studying for a Physics Masters Entrance Exams (India) and my coaching institute basically suggested me these books:
1685533305488.png


I actually have regretted buying books without prior research in the past, so I am making sure I do my fair share of research before buying any of these or something better.

The list given by my institute contains these 4 books
1. Waves and Oscillations - Brij Lal and Subrahmanyam
2. Oscillations and Waves - Suresh Garg, C.K Ghosh and Sanjay Gupta
3. Oscillations, Waves and Accoustics - P.K Mittal
4. Vibrations and Waves - A.P French

I was wondering which of these to buy. I want a simple book which can help me understand stuff easily like Introduction to Electrodynamics by DJ Griffiths, I love and adore this book.

The Syllabus I have to cover

Oscillations and Waves Syllabus:
1685533360429.png


Also, I don't know why, but many books relating to Waves and Oscillations are rated relatively poorly (when compared to other Physics books) on amazon.in.
While generally, famous Physics textbooks get a rating a of 4.5+, many books relative to oscillations and waves have gotten, 4 star ratings. So, I felt this post was somewhat necessary.

PS: I did search for books of Oscillations and Waves on Reddit and on Physicsforums, but I didn't get many results, so I have made a post here.
 
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I have a feeling that a general physics book, such as Serway's Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics would be helpful for you. And no need to go with the latest edition. You can find older editions (used) for next to nothing.
 
The only textbook with this very general topic "Oscillations of Waves" I know is the corresponding volume of the Berkeley physics course, which I found pretty good in the beginning of my physics studies. Otherwise you get waves in nearly any subtopic of physics. In the standard curriculum of universities usually you get it in mechanics starting with the harmonic oscillator and then there's also the pendulum as one example for a non-linear equation. Waves you get it first of course in the classical electromagnetism lecture and then in terms of Schrödinger's wave equation in the QM 1 lecture.
 
DrClaude said:
I have a feeling that a general physics book, such as Serway's Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics would be helpful for you. And no need to go with the latest edition. You can find older editions (used) for next to nothing.
I prefer to buy new books Dr.

Moreover, I really would love to buy Physics for Scientists and Engineers but just not now unfortunately (I am swamped with n number of books already,) so yeah, I was searching for a book on this particular topic
 
vanhees71 said:
The only textbook with this very general topic "Oscillations of Waves" I know is the corresponding volume of the Berkeley physics course, which I found pretty good in the beginning of my physics studies. Otherwise you get waves in nearly any subtopic of physics. In the standard curriculum of universities usually you get it in mechanics starting with the harmonic oscillator and then there's also the pendulum as one example for a non-linear equation. Waves you get it first of course in the classical electromagnetism lecture and then in terms of Schrödinger's wave equation in the QM 1 lecture.
As much as I wanted to buy this, I didn't have enough money to do that. I bought AP French's Oscillations and Waves
 
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Slimy0233 said:
As much as I wanted to buy this, I didn't have enough money to do that. I bought AP French's Oscillations and Waves
How is it?
 
Muu9 said:
How is it?
I won't know. I haven't got it yet. Will update once I get it delivered
 

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