Modern Physics

by Randy Harris

Modern Physics," "Second Edition provides a clear, precise, and contemporary introduction to the theory, experiment, and applications of modern physics. This eagerly awaited second edition puts the modern back into modern physics courses. Pedagogical features throughout the text focus the reader on the core concepts and theories while offering optional, more advanced sections, examples, and cutting-edge applications to suit a variety of courses. Critically acclaimed for his lucid style, in the second edition, Randy Harris applies the same insights into recent developments in physics, engineering, and technology. Physics at the Turn of the 20th Century, Special Relativity, Waves and Particles I: Electromagnetic Radiation Behaving as Particles, Waves and Particles II: Matter Behaving as Waves, Bound States: Simple Cases, Unbound States: Obstacles, Tunneling and Particle-Wave Propagation, Quantum Mechanics in Three Dimensions and The Hydrogen Atom, Spin and Atomic Physics, Statistical Mechanics, Bonding: Molecules and Solids, Nuclear Physics, Fundamental Particles and Interactions. For all readers interested in modern physics.

Genres: Physics, Textbooks

268 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

Reviews

[Rin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*
The relativity sections in the front were very helpful but as it went on it was not quite as great. The intro to quantum was fine (but definitely not the best quantum textbook) but after getting through the only 3 solvable problems and moving into multiparticle physics it became less and less useful. Spin, in particular, was a topic that this book couldn't explain very well and I had to go elsewhere to understand the topic at even a basic level.
I skimmed the thermo and nuclear sections since we're not covering them in class so I can't really speak to them as much as the earlier sections.

[Damian S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Einstein's theory of relativity. Quantum mechanics. Time dilation and length contraction. It's all very mind bending. Crazy how the world of the very small works. What an amazing universe we live in.

[Crown SRSS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes us from Schrodinger's equation to special relativity.

[Michael Tabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally quite clear and informative, though obviously it depends how much your professor actually follows the book.