Need some good physics textbooks

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for physics textbooks suitable for courses in Quantum Mechanics, Statistical and Thermal Physics, and Electromagnetism and Electrodynamics. Participants share their opinions on various texts and their appropriateness for different levels of study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants recommend "The Feynman Lectures on Physics" (vol. 2) and "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by Griffiths for Electromagnetism.
  • Others suggest the Dover re-publication of Nayfeh and Brussel for Electromagnetism, along with Townshend's book for Quantum Mechanics.
  • Concerns are raised about whether Griffiths' book is suitable for the course level, with some participants noting their uncertainty about the course syllabus and content coverage.
  • One participant mentions that Griffiths is a sophisticated book but questions its completeness for the course material.
  • Another participant suggests "Classical Electrodynamics" by JD Jackson as an alternative if Griffiths is deemed insufficient.
  • There is a request for recommendations on textbooks for Thermal and Statistical Physics, with one participant suggesting using the forum's search feature for prior discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the suitability of specific textbooks for the courses mentioned, indicating that there is no consensus on which books are best for the intended level of study.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the course syllabus and content, which affects their recommendations. There are also mentions of varying levels of coverage in previous courses, which may influence the appropriateness of suggested texts.

MMS
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Hello everyone,

This semester I'm taking the following important classes in physics and I was hoping you guys could help me out a little and state which good books you know concern the subjects.
The courses are Quantum Mechanics 1, Statistical and Thermal Physics and lastly Electromagnetism and Electrodynamics.

Help is much appreciated.Thank you!
 
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For electromagnetism I'd recommend either the second volume of "The Feynman Lectures on Physics" or "Introduction to electrodynamics" by Griffiths.
I'm assuming that you know all the vector and multivariable calculus and stuff
 
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Abtinnn said:
For electromagnetism I'd recommend either the second volume of "The Feynman Lectures on Physics" or "Introduction to electrodynamics" by Griffiths.
I'm assuming that you know all the vector and multivariable calculus and stuff

Thanks for the reply.

As for Griffiths' book, do you think it is at the right level of the course I'm talking about? We kind of used this book in E&M during my first year and it seemed just right there.

EDIT: Just to make things clear, I'm still not that sure what we're going to cover in the course and at what level since no syllabus has been posted yet, so I'm simply making assumptions.
 
MMS said:
Thanks for the reply.

As for Griffiths' book, do you think it is at the right level of the course I'm talking about? We kind of used this book in E&M during my first year and it seemed just right there.

EDIT: Just to make things clear, I'm still not that sure what we're going to cover in the course and at what level since no syllabus has been posted yet, so I'm simply making assumptions.

Did you guys cover all of the book in first year?
I am not sure if it'd suit your course. You may want to ask some people who have already taken the course.
But Griffiths is a sophisticated book, in my opinion.
 
Feel like Griffith's isn't enough? Give Classical Electrodynamics by JD Jackson a go
 
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Abtinnn said:
Did you guys cover all of the book in first year?
I am not sure if it'd suit your course. You may want to ask some people who have already taken the course.
But Griffiths is a sophisticated book, in my opinion.

To be honest, I just remembered that I studied from Griffith's book by myself when the the recommended book was Purcell's so we technically didn't cover anything from that book.
Anyway, the professor said it's a good book today but to keep in mind that it lacks a couple of significant topics.

Thank you!
 
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  • #11
DiCHi93 said:
Feel like Griffith's isn't enough? Give Classical Electrodynamics by JD Jackson a go
Thanks!
The professor said that it's not that good of a book to study from but it's usually the textbook used in universities in this course for some reason..
 
  • #12
Any suggestions though on thermal & statistical physics?
 
  • #13
Have you tried the forum search feature (top right of the page)? A search for "thermodynamics" gives a lot of hits.
 

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