View source for Basic Concepts of Physics: The Five Great Theories

{{Infobox book
| image = Basic Concepts of Physics The Five Great Theories placeholder cover.jpg
| alt = Basic Concepts of Physics The Five Great Theories (placeholder cover)
| name = Basic Concepts of Physics: The Five Great Theories
| author = [[Chalmers W Sherwin]]
| published = 1957; 1959; 1961
| publisher = [[Dryden Press; Holt, Rinehart and Winston]]
| pages = 410
| isbn = B0007EY2A8
}}

The subtitle is "The 5 Great Theories", and those are classical mechanics, relativity, electricity, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics (in that order). The level is at about the freshman physics level; a knowledge of calculus is required. Since everything here was pretty much worked out by the 1930s, the book has not dated at all in the intervening 40+ years. An innovative feature is the use of numerical methods throughout (using simple difference equations) as a pedagogical tool, which also contributes to the contemporary feel of the book. <br /><br />The "Electricity" section is unusual. Using descriptions of basic experiments, he introduces 5 electromagnetic fields, one static (the electric field) and 4 dynamic: electric induction, electric radiation, magnetic induction, and magnetic radiation. These are then related to eachother using relativity. There are insights here I have seen nowhere else. Perhaps not suprising given that Sherwin worked at the MIT Radiation Labs during and after WWII. <br /><br />Highly recommended for anyone who wants a one-volume introduction to physics or an alternate take on a standard physics text. - <em>Amazon</em>

==Links to Purchase Book==

* [http://www.amazon.com/concepts-physics-Chalmers-William-Sherwin/dp/B0006AX0TM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218741478&sr=1-5 Basic Concepts of Physics: The Five Great Theories][[Category:Book with placeholder cover]]
[[Category:Book|basic concepts physics five great theories]]

[[Category:Relativity|basic concepts physics five great theories]]