The discussion centers on the differences between various editions of the "Fundamentals of Physics" textbook, specifically the 12th and 10th editions. Participants note that while problem sets may change, the core text remains largely consistent. Users recommend earlier editions, such as the 5th edition, for their clarity and fewer errors compared to newer editions. Additionally, the 2nd edition of Goldstein is highlighted as superior to the 3rd edition due to issues with non-holonomic constraints.
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I have the third edition of Goldstein but I have heard that the 2nd edition is much better. Users have stated on this forum that there are problems with the treatment of non-holonomic constraints in the 3rd edition.Meir Achuz said:Higher editions sell more new books, and shuffle the problems. A publishing contact generally gives the Publisher the right to demand a new edition. Jackson 2 is better than Jackson 3. Each new edition of Arfken went downhill.