Re: [Phys-l] Modern Physics

["Krishna Chowdary" <professor.head@gmail.com>]

On 3/11/07, David Ward <dward@uu.edu> wrote:
> I was thinking of adopting Special Relativity by A.P. French, along with
> Intro to Quantum Physics by A.P French and Edwin Taylor. These are
> paperbacks that might prove decent references for my students in future on
> the fundamentals, and their combined cost is comparable to one of the more
> shallow Modern Physics standard texts. I'm trying to find the best textbook
> bang for the buck, and get a bit better treatment of relativity along the
> way.
>
> Am I nuts? :-)
Probably you are nuts, but in a good way!

If you're going for a separate text on Special Relativity, French is ok.
But I _have_ to suggest that you check out Spacetime Physics, by Taylor
(same one as above) and Wheeler.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

My other thought is based on my experience with French's Mechanics  and
Vibrations and Waves books, which I like but which our sophomore students
really struggle with (I might not have liked them as my first exposure
either).  I have and like French's Special Relativity and Intro to Quantum
Physics, and in fact have considered using IQP much as you have, but have
some doubts about using them as the main book due to my perceptions of
students using the other French texts describe above.  Great problems,
though, in all four texts!

Good luck with your search.  If you do use either of the French books for
this course, I hope that you will update us as to the outcome at the end of
your semester!

--
regards
-Krishna