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- Author: Edwin F. Taylor (Author), John Archibald Wheeler (Author)
- Title: Spacetime Physics
- Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0716723271/?tag=pfamazon01-20
- Prerequisities:
- Contents:
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Spacetime Physics by Edwin F. Taylor and John Archibald Wheeler
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the book "Spacetime Physics" by Edwin F. Taylor and John Archibald Wheeler, focusing on its editions, content differences, and suitability for self-study. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding the first and second editions, including the presence of worked solutions and additional content.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express a preference for the first edition due to its inclusion of worked solutions and the concept of rapidity, which they feel is omitted in the second edition.
- Others mention the maroon edition specifically, noting its copyright dates and chapter structure, which includes three chapters and a total of 270 pages.
- A participant questions the differences in content between the first and second editions, highlighting a significant increase in pages in the second edition.
- There is a request for a solutions manual for the even-numbered exercises, as the back of the first edition only contains answers for odd-numbered exercises.
- Some participants note that the second edition has additional content but lacks the solutions found in the first edition, leading to mixed opinions on its value.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the merits of the first edition, particularly regarding its suitability for self-study, but there is no consensus on the overall value of the second edition, which has more content but lacks solutions.
Contextual Notes
Participants mention the potential deterioration of older editions and the availability of online resources, but there are unresolved questions about the completeness of the online materials and the specific differences in content between editions.
Who May Find This Useful
Readers interested in self-studying special relativity, comparing different editions of educational texts, or seeking resources for problem-solving in physics may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
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This is still one of the best introductions to special relativity...
although I think the maroon edition with the worked problems solutions (and use of the rapidity!) is better.
http://www.eftaylor.com/download.html#special_relativity
although I think the maroon edition with the worked problems solutions (and use of the rapidity!) is better.
http://www.eftaylor.com/download.html#special_relativity
- #3
Daverz
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My vote is for the maroon edition. These will probably crumble into dust eventually, so it would be nice to find a modern alternative. The Geometry of Special Relativity by Tevian Dray perhaps?
- #4
SredniVashtar
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I beg your pardon, the... what? edition?
Are you referring to the first edition?
Are you referring to the first edition?
- #5
Daverz
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SredniVashtar said:
Specifically to the first paperback edition with (all!) solutions worked out in the back. This makes the book ideal for self-study. The first edition is preferred because they dumbed down the second edition (no rapidity, for example). The ISBN is 071670336X.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/071670336X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
Now I see that the text and solutions are available on E. F. Taylor's website that robphy linked to. That solves the paper rot problem.
- #6
SredniVashtar
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Daverz, thanks a lot. I had this book in my wishlist but my spider senses were tingling all over the second edition.
I have ordered a used copy of the first edition (august 71 - ouch! it says "new edition") from Amazon.fr (actually, from Nearfine), starting with your link.
As for the link given by robphy, I had downloaded the files weeks ago but, correct me if I am wrong: they are only for chapter 1, right? I take it the book has more than one chapter (as stated on amazon 200 pages plus the 60 plus pages of exercises).
Thanks again for helping me getting rid of 20 bucks. :-)
EDIT: I can no longer find the number of pages. So probably by switching from one amazon to the other I must have messed things up. Oh, well, I guess now I just have to wait and see. At least it will be the first edition.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/071670336X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
I have ordered a used copy of the first edition (august 71 - ouch! it says "new edition") from Amazon.fr (actually, from Nearfine), starting with your link.
As for the link given by robphy, I had downloaded the files weeks ago but, correct me if I am wrong: they are only for chapter 1, right? I take it the book has more than one chapter (as stated on amazon 200 pages plus the 60 plus pages of exercises).
Thanks again for helping me getting rid of 20 bucks. :-)
EDIT: I can no longer find the number of pages. So probably by switching from one amazon to the other I must have messed things up. Oh, well, I guess now I just have to wait and see. At least it will be the first edition.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/071670336X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
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- #7
Daverz
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SredniVashtar said:
You're right, it's just chapter one.
It sometimes happens that sellers list items in the wrong place. If that happens, and they won't give you a refund, file a claim with Amazon.
- #8
SredniVashtar
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I wanted to thank you again Daverz, the book has finally arrived and it is indeed the one depicted above. ISBN 0-7167-0336-X.
Let me add some information for other potential buyers out there.
This maroon edition is the first edition: it carries a copyright 1963, 1966 and it has a total of three (3) chapters.
Chapter 1: (pp. 1-60) - The Geometry of Spacetime
This chapter is available online on Edwin Taylor's website - see above for the address.
The exercises for chapter 1 take pages 61-100
Chapter 2: (pp. 101-139) - Momentum and Energy
The exercises for chapter 2 take pages 140-174
Chapter 3: (pp. 175-198) - The Physics of Curved Spacetime
Then there is an index and, starting right after page 208 there are 61 pages with the solutions of the exercises (in a typewriter font).
This first edition spans a total of 270 pages (give or take the covers and preface).
This edition seems to lack all the (subjectively) annoying features that seem to plague (according to some reviewer on Amazon) the second edition. There are no black crows as far as I can tell. :-).
But at the same time (so to speak) also lacks the Q&A that many reviewers found helpful.
All in all I am delighted to have it in my library. So, again thanks for the guidance.
Let me add some information for other potential buyers out there.
This maroon edition is the first edition: it carries a copyright 1963, 1966 and it has a total of three (3) chapters.
Chapter 1: (pp. 1-60) - The Geometry of Spacetime
This chapter is available online on Edwin Taylor's website - see above for the address.
The exercises for chapter 1 take pages 61-100
Chapter 2: (pp. 101-139) - Momentum and Energy
The exercises for chapter 2 take pages 140-174
Chapter 3: (pp. 175-198) - The Physics of Curved Spacetime
Then there is an index and, starting right after page 208 there are 61 pages with the solutions of the exercises (in a typewriter font).
This first edition spans a total of 270 pages (give or take the covers and preface).
This edition seems to lack all the (subjectively) annoying features that seem to plague (according to some reviewer on Amazon) the second edition. There are no black crows as far as I can tell. :-).
But at the same time (so to speak) also lacks the Q&A that many reviewers found helpful.
All in all I am delighted to have it in my library. So, again thanks for the guidance.
- #9
QuantumCurt
Education Advisor
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I'm doing a bit of self-studying out of this book over my winter break. Could anyone point me toward a solutions manual for it? All of the odd numbered exercises have answers in the back, but I'd like to have the even answers as well just to verify that I'm working the problems correctly. I've done a fair amount of searching and I've come up empty. Could anyone point me in the right direction?
- #10
ibkev
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Does anyone know what was added in the 2nd ed that would explain the 50% increase in content over the 1st? The 1st ed has only 208 pages while the 2nd ed has 320!
(Ok, ok 1st ed has 208 + 61 pages of exercise solutions whereas the 2nd ed has 320 pages but no solutions.)
(Ok, ok 1st ed has 208 + 61 pages of exercise solutions whereas the 2nd ed has 320 pages but no solutions.)
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- #11
ibkev
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Whoops. I see now that SredniVashtar posted some comments earlier about the differences between the two editions. I have to admit though, after seeing the general preference on these forums for the 1st edition, I was surprised to discover that the 2nd edition has so much additional content (putting aside that the 1st ed has solutions.)