Experiments in Modern Physics, Second Edition [Hardcover]

Adrian C. Melissinos (Author), Jim Napolitano (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0124898513 | ISBN-13: 978-0124898516 | Publication Date: March 31, 2003 | Edition: 2

A revision of the leading text on experimental physics. The feature of this book that has made it one of the most loved texts on the subject is that it goes far beyond a mere description of key experiments in physics. The author successfully provides the reader with an understanding and appreciation of the 'physics' behind the experiments. The second edition will be an extensive revision introducing many new devices, including the use of computers and software programs, that have come into use since the publication of the first edition. In addition the important areas of condensed matter physics and optical physics will be added, including two entirely new chapters on lasers and optics.

· Modern analysis and acquisition techniques
· Integration with matlab for data analysis and display
· New experiments include fundamentals of lasers

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the new version of this classic text continues to set the standard as an introduction to experimental methods in physics."
-Cliffard Swartz for PHYSICS WORLD, September 2003

"As a general upper-level lab text, it is about as good as I could imagine, and a substantial improvement (especially in terms of being up to date) over the original text by Melissinos. It is a well-written and fairly comprehensive introduction to many of the basic experimental techniques in use today, with an excellent mix of physics background material and the type of 'hands-on' practical information that students need in order to excel in experimental research."
-Scott Wissink, Indiana University

"This book could be a significant improvement to all other books that I know about on this topic. I would seriously consider its adoption for my course. The book contains excellent examples of upper-level undergraduate experiments in optics, high resolution spectroscopy, and particle physics. It also contains very useful general information and background materials on several experimental techniques used in physics."
-Seyfollah Maleki, Union College

"Clear, detailed, and explicit. The coverage is great. The book is very complete and the experiments cover many subfields of physics in a balanced way. Melissinos was a classic. A modernized Melissinos is a clear need....I like the broad coverage of the book and the level of technical detail. I certainly will want to have it on my bookshelf."
-Hans-Otto Meyer, Indiana University

"This is a long-overdue and welcomed revision of the classic book in experimental modern physics that many faculty members used as undergraduate students. It has been significantly updated and revised, including many topics that were unknown at the time of the first edition, so that it should be a very useful text for the advanced undergraduate laboratory course in modern physics in all physics departments."
-Jay Newman, Union College

Book Description

Second edition of a leading text providing the understanding and appreciation of the physics behind the experiments .

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 640 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 2 edition (March 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0124898513
• ISBN-13: 978-0124898516
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #242,226 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent experimental reference!!!, April 30, 2003

By 

J. D. Lowrey (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Experiments in Modern Physics (Hardcover)

I purchased this book with hopes of gaining some insight into the theoretical aspects of the modern physics experiments I was working on in a junior laboratory. I must say that this book has been invaluable. The author masterfully details the most fundamental experiments in modern physics, making the material accessible to beginning undergrad students, yet still theoretically rich enough for advanced experimental practice.

Most modern physics experiments can more than likely be referenced somewhere in this book, which serves as a lab manual complete with data samples and example analysis. For myself, the analysis techniques employed in the experiments contained within this book were the most helpful. Any physics student with experience in an advanced lab would agree that data and error analysis are the most critical part of any lab, making this book ideal as a reference.

I give this book five stars, but I must admit only one disappointment with its binding. I read a review, prior to buying this text, stating that the hardcover binding is somewhat prone to wearing out quickly, and indeed I think I have seen the beginning of this demise. However, I have made extensive use of the book, which has undoubtedly contributed to this problem.

Otherwise, I have gotten every cent's worth out of this book!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not a Good Revision of a Classic Book, December 26, 2006

By 

Crystal - See all my reviews

This review is from: Experiments in Modern Physics, Second Edition (Hardcover)

The 1st edition by Adrian Melissinos is a classic reference book with a wealth of practical information and data. That book was published in 1966; yet much of the theoretical treatments and methods are still applicable today. This 2nd edition either deleted or replaced some important original material. The 2nd edition did not do a good job in discussing new developments since the publication of the last edition. For instance, in the discussion of the Fabry-Perot method for high resolution spectroscopy, there was no mention of using a piezoelectric actuator which is commonly used at present and a significant development since the publication of the 1st edition. Useful data in nuclear experiments were deleted. A chapter of useful techniques in the 1st edition that deals with useful procedures such as pulse height analysis and basic vacuum technique was deleted.