Modern Physics textbook - Suggestions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for modern physics textbooks, focusing on various editions of Paul Tipler's "Modern Physics" and other alternatives. Participants share their experiences with different texts and express curiosity about the suitability of these books for various purposes, such as teaching or self-study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls using Tipler's "Modern Physics" and considers purchasing a newer edition, questioning the value of the 4th edition compared to earlier ones.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the intended use of the textbooks, suggesting that recommendations may vary based on the purpose.
  • A different participant mentions using Taylor's book, noting its quality but also its higher cost compared to others.
  • One post requests a digital format of the 5th edition of Tipler's book, indicating interest in accessing this specific version.
  • A participant shares their experience with Serway's book, stating it covers similar material to Tipler's but offers clearer explanations, though the problems may be more abstract and challenging.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the merits of different textbooks, with no consensus on which book is definitively better. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best choice for modern physics study.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific criteria for evaluating the textbooks, and the discussion lacks detailed comparisons of content or pedagogical approaches.

Who May Find This Useful

Students, educators, and individuals interested in modern physics who are seeking textbook recommendations or insights into different authors' approaches.

Robert100
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Back when I was in college I used "Modern Physics" by Paul Tipler. It seemed like a good book (and it helped to have a good teacher.) This book was copyright 1978 by Worth Publishers; I took it to be a 2nd edition since it was a revision of Tipler's 1969 "Foundation of Modern Physics".

Recently I decided to buy an updated version of this book: I found that the latest version is from W.H. Freeman & Co.

A 3rd and 4th edition seem to be currently available. I was thinking about buying one of these new editions. Any thoughts? Is the 4th edition really worth paying the extra $$$ for?

Also, would anyone recommend that I not get Tipler, but rather other modern physics books, such as:

Modern Physics by Raymond A. Serway

Modern Physics by Kenneth S. Krane

Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Second Edition by John Taylor

Modern Physics by Jeremy Bernstein

Concepts of Modern Physics by Arthur Beiser


Any suggestions or thoughts would be much appreciated!


Thanks,


Robert
 
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To what would you use any of these books?

Daniel.
 
I'm curious about this too. Are you getting it for review purposes? Are you teaching a class? I would recommend different books for different reasons.
 
We use Taylor's book, and I think its pretty good. Its more expensive than some of the others though.
 
tiper

does any have the TIPLER 5ºth ed. digital format like pdf? please if anybody have it please contact me at pablo_artusi@hotmail.com
thanks
 
An old thread but:
It caught my eye because I also used Tippler's 1978 version in school. I recently picked up a copy of Serway, Moses, Moyer because I actually had Serway as a professor.
They pretty much cover the same material. Serway's explains some of it a little better. The problems though are a little more absract meaning at best they make you think outside the box and at worst you do not understand what they are asking until you work it backwords from the answer.
 

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