What is a good text for learning mathematical physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for texts on mathematical physics, particularly for those who find certain advanced texts, like Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics, too challenging. Participants share their experiences and suggest various books that could serve as foundational or supplementary resources in mathematical physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty with Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics and seeks recommendations for more accessible mathematical physics texts.
  • Another participant suggests "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" by Boas as a commonly recommended text.
  • A participant confirms that Boas's text is already on their list and plans to compare several math-methods in physics texts before making a purchase.
  • One participant mentions Butkov's and Arfken's books as good options, along with Whittaker and Watson for deeper theoretical insights.
  • Another participant recommends Morse & Feshbach, claiming it encompasses a wide range of topics.
  • A participant shares their positive experience with Matthews and Walker's book as a preparatory text before tackling Jackson's work.
  • Hassani's book is also mentioned as a good resource for graduate-level topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of various texts, but there are multiple competing recommendations without a consensus on a single best choice.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference their personal experiences with the texts, which may not reflect the suitability for all learners. The discussion does not resolve which text is definitively the best for learning mathematical physics.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and educators in physics and related fields looking for foundational texts in mathematical physics may find this discussion beneficial.

pmb_phy
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I tried to read Classical Electrodynamics - 3rd Ed by J.D. Jackson cover to cover with the aim of working through all the homework problems. Problem: The math is too prohibitive. I need to drop that book for now and pick up a book on mathematical physics and go through that first. I'd like some recommendations for such a text. Thank you.

Pete
 
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Even though I never had it, Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences by Boas is usually recommended.
 
assyrian_77 said:
Even though I never had it, Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences by Boas is usually recommended.
Thanks. Much appreciated. Actually that is a text already on my list. I'm going to my old alma matta tommorow to pick up a few math-methods in physics text. I'd like to pick up a few of them to compare. Then I can decide which one to actually buy.

Pete
 
I don't know whether they are still in print but Butkov's book was a very good one as well as Arfken's. If you want to dig much deeper into the theory Whittaker and Watson is the classic.
 
Morse & Feshbach is the book that has them all. Trust me...

Daniel.
 
We spent a semester with Matthews and Walker before embarking on Jackson. It prepared us well for what was about to come up.
 
Hassani's book is also good for certain things at the graduate level.
 

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