Shankar, Yale University) "The publication of the volume should be of great help to future candidates who must pass this type of exam." (J. Yang, Nobelist in Physics, 1957) "Generations of graduate students will be grateful for its existence as they prepare for this major hurdle in their careers." (R. Some of the problems are quite easy, others are quite tough some are routine, others ingenious." (From the Foreword by C. Praise for A Guide to Physics Problems: Part 1: Mechanics, Relativity, and Electrodynamics: "Sidney Cahn and Boris Nadgorny have energetically collected and presented solutions to about 140 problems from the exams at many universities in the United States and one university in Russia, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. Guide to Physics Problems is published in two volumes: this book, Part 1, covers Mechanics, Relativity and Electrodynamics Part 2 covers Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics. A wide range of material is covered and comparisons are made between similar problems of different schools to provide the student with enough information to feel comfortable and confident at the exam. In order to equip hopeful graduate students with the knowledge necessary to pass the qualifying examination, the authors have assembled and solved standard and original problems from major American universities – Boston University, University of Chicago, University of Colorado at Boulder, Columbia, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, Michigan State, Michigan Tech, MIT, Princeton, Rutgers, Stanford, Stony Brook, University of Wisconsin at Madison – and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.
Completely revised to be more accessible to students Encourages active reading with guided problems tied to the text Updated open source programs available in Java, Python, and JavaScript Integrates Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations and other numerical techniques Self-contained introductions to thermodynamics and probability, including Bayes' theorem A fuller discussion of magnetism and the Ising model than other undergraduate texts Treats ideal classical and quantum gases within a uniform framework Features a new chapter on transport coefficients and linear response theory Draws on findings from contemporary research Solutions manual (available only to instructors) A Guide to Physics Problems - Part 1: Mechanics, Relativity, and Electrodynamics The text requires only a background in introductory mechanics and some basic ideas of quantum theory, discussing material typically found in undergraduate texts as well as topics such as fluids, critical phenomena, and computational techniques, which serve as a natural bridge to graduate study.
Ready-to-run programs help make the many abstract concepts concrete. Statistical and Thermal PhysicsĪ completely revised edition that combines a comprehensive coverage of statistical and thermal physics with enhanced computational tools, accessibility, and active learning activities to meet the needs of today's students and educators This revised and expanded edition of Statistical and Thermal Physics introduces students to the essential ideas and techniques used in many areas of contemporary physics. The book explores applications to engineering, chemistry, biology, geology, atmospheric science, astrophysics, cosmology, and everyday life. This is a textbook for the standard undergraduate-level course in thermal physics.