Classical Waves: Books on Math & Physics for Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, etc.

[dRic2]

Hi, I'm looking for a book that deals with the mathematics and the physics of waves (sound waves, electromagnetic waves, maybe optics). Basically just "classical waves" (I'm not very interested right know in the applications to quantum mechanics). My math background is (courses that I took):
real analysis
(introduction to) complex analysis
linear algebra
PDE (never had a formal course but I'm quite good in solving standard PDE with "decent" boundary conditions)
(introduction to) functional analysis
I'm looking for a book that deals with the basics but also offers insight on the matter. I prefer an "intuitive"/physical approach, but I don't dislike mathematical rigor.

Do you have any suggestions ?

 

[berkeman]

I really enjoyed the Young text in my undergrad.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070725217/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[berkeman]

Okay, that's weird. Definitely buy the $5.29 hardcover. Buying the $678.08 Paperback would appear to be a bad shopping decision...

WTH?

 

[Wrichik Basu]

Okay, that's weird. Definitely buy the $5.29 hardcover. Buying the $678.08 Paperback would appear to be a bad shopping decision...

WTH?

Such a huge price difference! A new hard cover book is $87.14 << paperback. Why is the latter so costly?

 

[berkeman]

Most likely just typos. LOL

 

[mpresic3]

Waves, Berkeley Series Vol III by Crawford I used as a sophomore
There is a book Waves Physics by Stephen Nettle that may also be good but I think this is more deep.
I think the honors class as Sophomores may have used this one, but I think it is higher level.

 

[dRic2]

aves Physics by Stephen Nettle

I can't find this book...

 

[dRic2]

What do you think about "Almost all about waves" by J.R. Pierce?

 

[Demystifier]

I can't find this book...

It was a typo, he meant: S. Nettel, Wave Physics

 

[dRic2]

Thanks!

 

[mpresic3]

It was a typo, he meant: S. Nettel, Wave Physics

Sorry, Dr Nettel. I worked for Dr Nettel in 1980. Hard to believe I would ever spell his name wrong!

 

[VitPhysicsProf]

Introduction to Wave Physics is a free textbook based on a standard, intermediate-level physics course on waves. It covers both scalar (acoustic) and vector (electromagnetic) waves up to three-dimensions in rectangular, cylindrical and spherical coordinates. It also addresses advanced topics including radiation, diffraction and scattering. It can be downloaded from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349721510_Introduction_to_Wave_Physics or the book website . (Hard copies are also available on Amazon).

(The poster and author is Anthony Gerig, a physics professor at Viterbo University.)

 

[gmax137]

Waves, Berkeley Series Vol III by Crawford

I used this one too in undergrad. I really don't know how it compares to others listed.

Just looked on Ama$on, wow, over 40 USD used. I bought my copy new (still see $7.95 on the inside cover). It came with a little packet of colored gels and diffraction gratings.

 

[jasonRF]

How much physics have you learned? If you have only taken introductory level physics then I would recommend looking at:

The Physics of Waves by Georgi. The author has a free pdf posted at his site
https://sites.harvard.edu/hgeorgi/physics-of-wave-files/
Like a lot of general 'physics of waves' book it is written for students with less math background than you have. It assumes you have taken sequences in calculus and introductory physics.

For an intuitive introduction to electromagnetic waves I really like Bekefi and Barrett
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0262520478/?tag=pfamazon01-20
While it looks like it was typeset with an old typewriter, it really is a fantastic read.

If you know more physics, such as intermediate mechanics and/or electromagnetic theory, then there are other options. One general undergraduate-level book is Physics of Waves by Elmore and Heald
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486649261/?tag=pfamazon01-20
In the preface the authors indicated it was written for students who had taken intermediate mechanics. It includes waves in elastic media and fluids, as well as electromagnetic waves. They do a pretty good job describing the physics and deriving wave equations for the different phenomena, and they introduce the concept of wave impedance which I find to be very helpful.

jason

 

[Dr Transport]

http://www.physics.usu.edu/riffe/3750/index.htm