Classical Looking for Griffith-style books on mechanics, thermodynamics, astronomy

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The discussion centers on recommendations for physics textbooks suitable for BSc studies, highlighting preferences for clear writing and navigability. Users express appreciation for specific books, such as the E&M book and A. Sommerfeld's Lectures on Theoretical Physics, while noting challenges with Goldstein and Taylor's mechanics texts. Suggestions for thermodynamics include Callen and Reif, emphasizing the differing perspectives of physicists and engineers. For astrophysics, recent publications like Longair's High Energy Astrophysics and Schaffner-Bielich's Compact Star Physics are recommended. Overall, participants share resources to aid in understanding complex topics in physics and astrophysics.
szenhidrat
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Hello!

Searching for above mentioned books for my Bsc studies. Like his style and the quantum and electro books were very well written(in my opinion) and easy to navigate through, also liked the pre-explained math tools i need for the book. Tried Goldstein and Taylor books on mechanics but they were "harder" to understand. Also have the Feynman books if someone wants to recommend that.

Thank you!
 
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I've mixed feelings about the quantum book, while I think the E&M book is very good. For me the best books on classical physics still is A. Sommerfeld, Lectures on Theoretical Physics (with the exception that he uses the ##\mathrm{i} c t## convention in special relativity :-(). Vol. 1 on point-particle mechanics is full of gems and insights you don't find in such a compact way elsewhere.
 
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Where/when I went to school the two choices were Marion/Thornton and Symon for intermediate mechanics.
 
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For thermodynamics take a look at
Callen Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics
Reif Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermophysics
Baierlein Thermal Physics
Pippard Classical Thermodynamics
Be aware that physicists, chemists and engineers treat the subject differently. These are from a physics perspective.

I am not sure if it is what you are looking for, but I enjoyed the second edition of High Energy Astrophysics by Longair. There is a third edition out now. Generally I am not too picky about older books, but astrophysics changes enough so that you want something relatively recent.
 
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Thanks guys! Managed to get a copy of Keith Symon Mechanics looks good so far. Will try to get one of the mentioned thermo books.

In astronomy i need to cover: stellar structure equations, spectrums, stellar atmosphere, variable stars, interstellar medium physics
 
Concerning stellar astrophysics, here's a great book by one of my colleagues:

J. Schaffner-Bielich, Compact star physics, CUP 2020

There's of course also one of Weinberg's last books, covering "stars", "binaries", "the interstellar medium", "glaxies"

S. Weinberg, Lectures on Astrophysics, CUP 2020
 

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