Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around finding a comprehensive general physics textbook suitable for university graduate level that includes complete exercises. Participants share various recommendations and opinions on the suitability of different texts.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant inquires about the level of physics textbooks being discussed.
- Another participant suggests Joos' Theoretical Physics, noting it has breadth but relatively few exercises.
- A different participant mentions the Irodov Series, indicating its use in Indian high schools, suggesting it may not be widely applicable elsewhere.
- Another recommendation is Alonso and Finn's Fundamental University Physics, described as concise with good explanations across three volumes.
- One participant expresses a preference for Basic Concepts in Physics by Sherwin, highlighting its unique arrangement around classical mechanics, relativity, electricity, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics.
- A link to an old review of Sherwin's book is provided for further context.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants present multiple competing views on suitable textbooks, with no consensus reached on a single ideal choice.
Contextual Notes
Some recommendations may depend on specific educational contexts or personal preferences, and the completeness of exercises in suggested texts is variable.
Who May Find This Useful
Readers interested in selecting a physics textbook for graduate-level study, particularly those seeking comprehensive resources with exercises.