Astrophysics Cosmology and Astrophysics through problems: Padmanabhan

AI Thread Summary
The discussion highlights challenges faced while using Padmanabhan's problem book on cosmology and astrophysics, particularly regarding the difficulty and time-consuming nature of some questions. Users express frustration with the astrophysics sections compared to the more familiar general relativity content. The author emphasizes that the book is intended as a supplement to conventional learning, suggesting that it may not be suitable for those without prior knowledge of the subjects. It is recommended to use this book alongside a more introductory textbook for better understanding. Overall, the book's design aims to facilitate learning through problem-solving rather than standalone mastery.
ergospherical
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Education Advisor
Insights Author
Messages
1,097
Reaction score
1,384
I’ve really been struggling with this book since I started it a couple of days ago. It’s essentially a problem book designed to teach you about astrophysics, structure formation, radiation, fluid dynamics, etc. through a curated set of questions.

Some of the questions take a ridiculously long time, and others I’d have no clue how to attempt without generous hand-holding from the (admittedly very well-written) solutions. This is more of an issue for the astrophysics-based sections than the more familiar GR-based sections.

Any thoughts? Am I using this book incorrectly? Presumably Padmanabhan’s other (conventional) textbook on structure formation would serve as an ideal companion, but I feel that’d sort of defeat the entire point of this book (which is to learn through direct exposure).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I suspect you are using it incorrectly.

The author makes it plain in the Preface that the book is intended to be a supplement to 'the conventional modes of learning' (p. xvi) and in the section entitled 'How to use this book' that 'If you know nothing about a subject, I am not certain whether this book - by itself - can help you to master it. In such a situation, it is best to use this book as a supplement to a more introductory conventional textbook.' (p. xxi).
 
  • Like
Likes Demystifier and ergospherical
For the following four books, has anyone used them in a course or for self study? Compiler Construction Principles and Practice 1st Edition by Kenneth C Louden Programming Languages Principles and Practices 3rd Edition by Kenneth C Louden, and Kenneth A Lambert Programming Languages 2nd Edition by Allen B Tucker, Robert E Noonan Concepts of Programming Languages 9th Edition by Robert W Sebesta If yes to either, can you share your opinions about your personal experience using them. I...
Hi, I have notice that Ashcroft, Mermin and Wei worked at a revised edition of the original solid state physics book (here). The book, however, seems to be never available. I have also read that the reason is related to some disputes related to copyright. Do you have any further information about it? Did you have the opportunity to get your hands on this revised edition? I am really curious about it, also considering that I am planning to buy the book in the near future... Thanks!
I’ve heard that in some countries (for example, Argentina), the curriculum is structured differently from the typical American program. In the U.S., students usually take a general physics course first, then move on to a textbook like Griffiths, and only encounter Jackson at the graduate level. In contrast, in those countries students go through a general physics course (such as Resnick-Halliday) and then proceed directly to Jackson. If the slower, more gradual approach is considered...
Back
Top