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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding resources related to the textbook "A Contemporary View of Elementary Physics" by Borowitz & Bornstein, and the potential use of this book alongside various required physics texts. Participants explore the relevance of older physics textbooks in contemporary studies and seek recommendations for additional resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding information about the textbook "A Contemporary View of Elementary Physics" despite searching various platforms.
  • Another participant suggests searching on abebooks.com as a potential resource for locating the book.
  • There is a mention that the textbook is quite old, published in the late 60s or early 70s, and a suggestion is made to consider more modern alternatives.
  • One participant appreciates the book's approach to unifying different areas of physics and questions the rigor of its proofs in relation to their first physics sequence.
  • Another participant argues that the subjects of physics have not changed significantly since the 1930s, suggesting that older books can still be valuable, mentioning another book from the same era as a potential resource.
  • A participant notes that older texts can provide enlightening perspectives, especially when they use different notations, which can help in understanding concepts beyond formalism.
  • One participant humorously acknowledges forgetting to purchase their textbooks, indicating a common student experience.
  • A recommendation is made for "Young and Freedman, University Physics," which is described as comprehensive and well-regarded among peers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value of older textbooks versus more modern ones. While some advocate for the potential benefits of older texts, others suggest that newer resources may be more appropriate. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to selecting textbooks.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the textbook in question and the subjects it covers. There are assumptions about the relevance of older texts and their rigor, but these are not universally agreed upon.

complexPHILOSOPHY
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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:
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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.
 
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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
 

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