Finding Resources for "A Contemporary View of Elementary Physics" Textbook

  • Thread starter Thread starter complexPHILOSOPHY
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Textbook
AI Thread Summary
An old physics textbook titled "A Contemporary View of Elementary Physics" by Borowitz & Bornstein has been identified, but finding relevant information or descriptions online has proven difficult. The book, published by McGraw-Hill in the late 1960s or early 1970s, aims to provide a broad understanding of various physics areas, assuming knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, and basic geometry. While some participants suggest considering more modern texts, they acknowledge that many excellent books from the 1960s still hold value. Recommendations for additional resources include Sherwin's "Basic Concepts of Physics" and Young and Freedman's "University Physics," which is highly regarded among students. The discussion highlights the potential benefits of older texts in providing different perspectives on physics concepts.
complexPHILOSOPHY
Messages
365
Reaction score
2
I have found an old physics text entitled "A Contemporary View of Elementary Physics" written by Borowitz & Bornstein, published by McGraw-Hill book company. I was curious about using this book concurrently with the physics texts required in: 4A. Mechanics; 4B. Mechanics, Fluids, Waves and Heat; 4C. Electricity and Magnetism; 4D. Electromagnetic Waves, Optics and Special Relativity; and 4E. Quantum Physics.

I can't find a link or really anything relevant to the textbook. I have searched through google, amazon and various other websites (including the publisher) but I have found no descriptions.

Also, any other books that one might recommend for use in conjunction with the required texts, would be very appreciated.

Thanks homies!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone...?
 
'sup homey

try searching abebooks.com
 
That book is very old. If I remember correctly it was published in the early 70's late 60's. I would advise you to pick a more modern book, but as to what book, I have no clue.
 
The only reason that I had considered it was because it tries to formulate a broad understanding of how all of these seemingly 'different' areas of physics, unify or atleast interact. It assumes knowledge of algebra, trig, geometry and basic analytic geometry and then builds the maths around the concepts as you progress -- the only thing that I am not sure about is how rigorous the text is in proofs or if that is even necessary through my first physics sequence?
 
The subjects listed haven't changed much since the 1930s, so a more recent book is not absolutely necessary. A lot of excellent books were written in the 1960s. Another one to look for from the same era is Sherwin, Basic Concepts of Physics, which covers mechanics, relativity, electromagnetism, QM, and stat mech.
 
Last edited:
I have no experience in physics but I have noticed in other areas like logic or computer programming that reading an older book can be enlightening especially if the notation is different, because seeing multiple notations helps one to see beyond the formalisms.
 
DAMMIT! You just reminded me that I forgot to buy my textbooks.
 
Young and Freedman, University Physics is known to my peers and I as the 'White Bible' . Covers everything. Gorgeous
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
6K
Back
Top