Other Physics puzzle/problem books at the undergraduate/graduate level?

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The discussion focuses on the search for advanced-level physics problem books similar to classic titles like Professor Povey's and Irodov. Recommendations include the "Problems in Undergraduate Physics" series, "Thinking Like a Physicist," and "Princeton Problems in Physics," which offer challenging exercises. Previous Physics Olympiad problems and resources like "Major American Universities Ph.D. Qualifying Questions and Solutions" are also suggested for their difficulty. The conversation highlights a desire for problem sets that push beyond typical textbook exercises. Overall, the community seeks engaging and challenging physics problems for advanced learners.
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Without trying to sound too wistful, back in school there was a good selection of miscellaneous problem books like Professor Povey's perplexing problems, 200 Puzzling physics problems, Irodov, Jaan Kalda and all the olympiad stuff, etc. Do there exist equivalents of these puzzle books aimed at a more advanced level of physics? The closest I've come across is probably the book of exercises for the Feynman lectures, but these are still nonetheless very textbook-like.
 
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The flying circus of Physics by Jearl Walker, if you are looking for a book at introductory level. There are two editions available with the first having answers at the back and the second having answers immediately after questions which I dislike.

For advanced level, I recommend the four volumes of Problems in Undergradute Physics series. Solutions are included.
 
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ergospherical said:
The closest I've come across is probably the book of exercises for the Feynman lectures, but these are still nonetheless very textbook-like.
Maybe some of the problems from previous Physics Olympiads would fit that?
 
Previous year IPHO problems are a good source of difficult problems.
 
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berkeman said:
Maybe some of the problems from previous Physics Olympiads would fit that?
In principle but I’ve gotten through most of these over the years! And I’m specifically looking for questions aimed at a higher age level.
 
ergospherical said:
Do there exist equivalents of these puzzle books aimed at a more advanced level of physics?
Other possibilities: "Thinking Like a Physicist"; ""Princeton Problems in Physics".
 
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Mathematical Conundrums, CRC Press, 2023, has some original problems.
 
Analytical Dynamics of Particles and Rigid Bodies by Whittaker and
Static and Dynamic Electricity by Smythe have some brutal questions

“Major American Universities Ph.D. Qualifying Questions and Solutions” is exactly what it says. For something harder, see "A Guide to Physics Problems"by Cahn and Nadgorny

https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0605057v2
 
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ergospherical said:
Without trying to sound too wistful, back in school there was a good selection of miscellaneous problem books like Professor Povey's perplexing problems, 200 Puzzling physics problems, Irodov, Jaan Kalda and all the olympiad stuff, etc. Do there exist equivalents of these puzzle books aimed at a more advanced level of physics? The closest I've come across is probably the book of exercises for the Feynman lectures, but these are still nonetheless very textbook-like.
Do Klepper and Kolenkow, Purcell problems fit on this list?
 

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