What Should I Actually Use Next Semester?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting appropriate textbooks for various physics and mathematics courses for the upcoming semester. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding specific texts in subjects such as Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Statistics, Meteorology, Statistical Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, and Optics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists required texts for their courses and seeks advice on their suitability.
  • Another participant endorses Schroeder's text for thermodynamics but notes that some find it lacking in depth.
  • A participant suggests Griffiths for quantum mechanics but mentions that it may gloss over some topics, while also recommending a strong professor as a key factor in understanding the material.
  • For optics, one participant prefers Pedrotti and Pedrotti over Hecht, while suggesting Born and Wolf for a more in-depth study, contingent on having a solid background in electromagnetism.
  • One participant expresses a dislike for Schroeder's writing style and suggests McQuarrie's texts as alternatives for thermodynamics, while also mentioning that P.Chem books may be beneficial.
  • Liboff is recommended as a better-written alternative for quantum mechanics compared to Griffiths, though it is noted to be slightly advanced for undergraduates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the suitability of specific textbooks, particularly regarding Schroeder's text for thermodynamics and the choice between Griffiths and Liboff for quantum mechanics. No consensus is reached on the best texts for the various subjects discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate that their recommendations are based on personal experiences and preferences, which may not universally apply. There is also mention of the importance of teaching quality in understanding complex subjects.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for courses in physics and mathematics, particularly those seeking textbook recommendations for thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, optics, and mathematical modeling.

2ltben
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My university has released their book list for the courses this Spring and I'd figured I'd check against people who know the topics about what books I should actually use to understand the material. My Physics department is usually pretty decent with their book choices, but I've yet to come across a satisfactory choice from my Math department.

Mathematical Modeling
Introduction to Mathematical Modeling Using Discrete Dynamical Systems, Marotto

Mathematical Statistics
Mathematical Statistics, Freund

Meteorology
Severe and Hazardous Weather, Rauber

Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Thermal Physics, Schroeder

I've yet to see anything from my Analysis course and I'm probably going to need Quantum Mechanics and Optics references for my Advanced Physics Lab (Griffiths or Shankar for the Quantum, no ideas for the Optics) and a Linear Algebra reference wouldn't hurt either.

Can anyone care to lend their advice?
 
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The only text I have any familiarity with on your list is the physics text (Schroeder)... and it's very good for an intro thermodynamics course. Sorry I don't have experience in the other texts.

Griffith's is a decent quantum text; some people tend to think it glosses over things, I used it in undergrad and still was top in my grad classes. I also just simply had a very good (quantum optics) professor for my undergrad courses.

With regards to optics, I'm not as keen on Hecht as a number of people are, although it's be a fine reference... I tend to prefer Pedrotti and Pedrotti... although I haven't seen the latest edition with yet a third Pedrotti (the guy I had for quantum!... tho' I sadly didn't have him for optics despite using his relatives' text). In all actuality... if you really want to get into optics, Born and Wolf would be the way to go... but you may need more of an E&M background to really have it be useful.

Sorry I can't help you on the math areas... :blushing:
 
I am not a big fan of Schroeder's text for thermo. Something about the style of writing gets under my skin. Seeing diagrams that include wizards in a physics text just doesn't sit well.

If you want something kind of dry for Thermo, I'd pick up pretty much anything by McQuarrie, though it is unlikely that you will find his stat. mech book useful.

Actually, the best texts I found for thermo are often P.Chem books.

As for quantum. Liboff! You really can't go wrong with Richard Liboff. It is a slightly advanced undergraduate text for quantum mechanics, but it is written far better than Griffiths.
 

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