Basic Concepts of Physics: The Five Great Theories: Difference between revisions
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* [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|basic concepts physics five great theories]] | * [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]] | ||
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[[Category:Relativity|basic concepts physics five great theories]] | [[Category:Relativity|basic concepts physics five great theories]] | ||
Latest revision as of 09:52, 19 July 2026
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| Author | Chalmers W Sherwin |
|---|---|
| Published | 1957; 1959; 1961 |
| Publisher | Dryden Press; Holt, Rinehart and Winston |
| Pages | 410 |
| ISBN | B0007EY2A8 Invalid ISBN |
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.
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.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants a one-volume introduction to physics or an alternate take on a standard physics text. - Amazon