Preparing for PGRE: My Recommended Reading List

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on recommended study materials for the Physics GRE (PGRE). Key textbooks mentioned include "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker; "Introduction to Electrodynamics" and "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by David J. Griffiths; "Optics" by E. Hecht; and "Heat and Thermodynamics" by Zemansky and Dittman. Feynman's Lectures are also suggested. Participants emphasize the importance of reviewing released PGRE exams to understand test topics and recommend taking practice exams under test conditions. Additionally, a modern physics book is advised for topics like special relativity and classic experiments, with suggestions including Serway, Moses, and Moyer's work. The need for basic knowledge in elementary particle physics is also highlighted, with Griffith's particle physics book mentioned, though considered potentially too advanced for the PGRE. Beiser's book on modern physics is suggested as a viable option if it aligns with standard course content.
Rose.w
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These are the books that i have decided to study from for my PGRE...Any advice and recommendations are needed...

Fundamentals of Physics : Halliday, Resnick and Walker
Introduction To Electrodynamics : David J. Griffiths
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics : David J. Griffiths
Optics : E Hecht
Heat and Thermodynamics : Mark W Zemansky and Richard Dittman
Feynman's Lectures


please tell me what you think...thank you.. :D :D
 
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Those should cover most of the material on the test. Personally, I recommend Shroeder's "Thermal Physics." It's not the most in-depth undergrad book on the subject, but I think it's written at a level perfect for PGRE Review.

Remember to study to the test! There are four released PGRE exams. Check those out and see what topics the GRE people like, and make sure you know those cold. Also, make sure to take two of those practice exams under test like conditions.
 
G01 said:
Those should cover most of the material on the test. Personally, I recommend Shroeder's "Thermal Physics." It's not the most in-depth undergrad book on the subject, but I think it's written at a level perfect for PGRE Review.

Remember to study to the test! There are four released PGRE exams. Check those out and see what topics the GRE people like, and make sure you know those cold. Also, make sure to take two of those practice exams under test like conditions.

yes..i definitely will..Thanks...
Also,is there any other book i'll be needing?
 
The only thing I think you may want to add is a modern physics book of some sort, just to review special relativity and the classic modern physics experiments (Frank-Hertz, Photoelectric Effect, Thompson e/m, etc.). The PGRE sometimes likes to ask questions about these experiments. Also, if you'll want to review relativity and some relativistic kinematics, as there will be a few problems of this type.

The only other thing you'd possibly want is some basic book on elementary particles. Sometimes a few questions on basic elementary particle questions may pop up.
 
G01 said:
The only thing I think you may want to add is a modern physics book of some sort, just to review special relativity and the classic modern physics experiments (Frank-Hertz, Photoelectric Effect, Thompson e/m, etc.). The PGRE sometimes likes to ask questions about these experiments. Also, if you'll want to review relativity and some relativistic kinematics, as there will be a few problems of this type.

The only other thing you'd possibly want is some basic book on elementary particles. Sometimes a few questions on basic elementary particle questions may pop up.

ok...so Which books would you recommend for that purpose then?
 
I've never taken a particle course as an undergrad. That was one book I never had. I know Griffith's has a book, but I've seen mixed reviews. You can try looking that up. I'm sure it will be enough to cover the basic particle questions that appear on the GRE.

For modern physics, I used Serway, Moses, and Moyer.
 
I am like 99% sure that Griffith's Particle Physics book is overkill for the PGRE.
 
G01 said:
I've never taken a particle course as an undergrad. That was one book I never had. I know Griffith's has a book, but I've seen mixed reviews. You can try looking that up. I'm sure it will be enough to cover the basic particle questions that appear on the GRE.

For modern physics, I used Serway, Moses, and Moyer.

alright...thanks...
 
G01 said:
I've never taken a particle course as an undergrad. That was one book I never had. I know Griffith's has a book, but I've seen mixed reviews. You can try looking that up. I'm sure it will be enough to cover the basic particle questions that appear on the GRE.

For modern physics, I used Serway, Moses, and Moyer.

n1person said:
I am like 99% sure that Griffith's Particle Physics book is overkill for the PGRE.

how about beiser's book of modern physics?
 
  • #10
Rose.w said:
how about beiser's book of modern physics?

I have no experience with that book. It doesn't mean it's not good. If it covers the topics in a standard, second year modern physics course, it should be fine.
 
  • #11
ok then..i'll try out that one...
 

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