Customer Reviews

The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol. 3

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read the entire book back in college. The approach to explaining quantum mechanics was so different from the other books I read back then. The derivation of the rotation matrices, the discussion of symmetry and superconductivity, among others, were simply breathtaking. Definitely a classic.

I was given a 1960's edition of this book several years ago and did not pick it up until this summer (not the commemorative edition). I am amazed at how clearly written this book is. The arguments and equations are simple to follow, and usually you do not need to verify the calculations but if you do, there's plenty of margin space to do so, which I really appreciate. Feynman does not get bogged down in details. But he does not omit important points. And there is no shortage of illustrations. If you want to get a "feel" for quantum theory, then this is the book for you. Feynman is quoted as having said that no one truly understands quantum mechanics. That's probably true but Feynman seems to know about it more than most authors. If I were stuck on a desert island, this would be one of the quantum books I would want to have with me.

Although I first read this book almost forty years ago as an undergraduate physics major and found it interesting and helpful, I cannot really recommend this as the first book on quantum or modern physics that should be read by an undergraduate. The author waits until the final third of the book to introduce the Schrodinger equation and then gives only the briefest nod to the solution of quantum well problems via the time independent Schrodinger Equation. Because I have always found quantum well problems to be the easiest aspect of quantum phenomena to understand, and a good way to introduce other concepts and problems (including scattering and solid state physics) I find this approach curious.

In general, the Feynman lectures are more useful as supplements, or as introductions to special topics for Ph.D. candidates or professional researchers. Of the three volumes of the Feynman Lectures, this volume seems the least likely choice as the primary textbook for the corresponding undergraduate course. That said, it does emphasize important points that other introductory texts avoid. The treatment of the Dirac bra-ket notation is especially good--and used intensively throughout the book, beginning with its third chapter.

If you couldn't attend CIT in 1962-3 because you weren't a twinkle in your parents' eyes, or could not afford to attend, then the tapes are the next best thing.

From a peadagogical point of view i think the tapes enhance the books but do not stand on their own, so i rate them 3 stars. He is often writing/refering to stuff that is in the books, but you obviously cannot see on a sound track. Given today's technology it would be even better if they produced a CD which contained the written material as well, so you could follow along a bit better.

If you ever wondered what the great man sounded like this is your chance.

The lectures were recorded live so the acoustics/mic'ing could be better. But electronics were not as good in the 60's.

The books themselves are an excellent introduction.

This book is simply the best textbook I have used in ANY FIELD. The brilliance of Feynman's mind shows on every page. The book is not only spectacularly clear, but the subject development is as incredibly original as Feynman's scientific contributions. Also very, very important is that Feynman makes the subject fascinating. The first chapter comparing the classical and quantum descriptions of particle motion through a double slit wall, and showing that quantum passage is over many individual events is the same as (classical) light passage blew my mind away. My earlier encounter with wave-particle duality "treatments" in typical (that is, mediocre) undergraduate texts left my head in a fog. I spent countless futile hours trying to figure out if a quantum particle was a "congealed wave" or a was "a particle with a halo". Feynman's rigorous explanation that quantum particles are 100% particles which statistically behave like waves, settled the matter for me forever.
Similarly, Feynman's buildup of quantum measurement theory through Stern-Gerlach experiments made the abstract notions come to life. For example, he builds up Dirac notation by splitting up amplitudes,and thus turns an abstract mathematical technique into something which may be derived from physical concepts. Then he builds on these notions to develop the Schrodinger equation,instead of dropping it out of the sky as an unmotivated postulate. He continues both building up the theory and giving the then most important applications.
Finally not only is Feynman's book in a class by itself among undergraduate texts, as I pleasantly found out it is superb preparation for advanced graduate texts--for example, those of Cohen-Tannoudji and Sakurai.
If you want to start your quantum mechanics education the right way, Feynman's text is a must.

recorded Nov 1962 to April 1963, Cal Tech
Cassette 1 - V2 Ch30 The Internal Geometry of Crystals
Cassette 2 - V2 Ch32 Refractive Index of Dense Materials
Cassette 3 - V2 Ch39 Elastic Materials
Cassette 4 - V2 Ch10 Dielectrics
Cassette 5 - V2 Ch11 Inside Dielectrics
Cassette 6 - V2 Ch34 The Magnetism of Matter
There is something magical about hearing Richard Feynman deliver a lecture on physics that goes beyond the content of the textbooks derived from these same lectures.

it will be an excellent high school text book expecially for those wh oare preparing for the Ap physics C or those who loves physics and are willing to place themselves in advance standards. i would recommand that book for all high school seniors and first year college students who major or intend to major in science or engineering since most of today's "lectures" are generally mediocre. P.S. u have to reread each chapter for at least 2 times even though u think u understand it