Physics (2 Vol. Set) [Hardcover]

Robert Resnick (Author), David Halliday (Author), Kenneth S. Krane (Author), Paul Stanley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2001 | ISBN-10: 0471134600 | ISBN-13: 978-0471134602 | Edition: 5

The publication of the first edition of Physics in 1960 launched the modern era of physics textbooks. It was a new paradigm then and, after 40 years, it continues to be the dominant model for all texts. The big change in the market has been a shift to a lower level, more accessible version of the model. Fundamentals of Physics is a good example of this shift. In spite of this change, there continues to be a demand for the original version and, indeed, we are seeing a renewed interest in Physics as demographic changes have led to greater numbers of well--prepared students entering university. Physics is the only book available for academics looking to teach a more demanding course.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Continues the physics tradition of being a mathematically and physically complete mainstream textbook. Along with eight additional chapters on Modern Physics, the revised ``Extended Volume'' features the most accurate depiction of work and energy theorems; demonstrates how relativity is a logical extension of classical mechanics; offers 36% more worked examples, 60% more end-of-chapter problems and 34% more end-of-chapter questions. Computer applications and numerical analysis are woven throughout the text. All artwork has been redrawn in two colors. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1312 pages
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc; 5 edition (July 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471134600
• ISBN-13: 978-0471134602
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.6 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,871,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference book for introductory physics courses, June 17, 2004

By 

Hui King Lam (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Physics, Volume 1 (Hardcover)

Being a freshmen of physics major in the first year of my university life, I engaged in three introductory physics courses, namely, mechanics, thermodynamics and optics, and electricity and magnetism. It was a surprise to me that all three courses recommended "Physics" by Resnick and Halliday as textbook. After one year of study, I found reading this book awarding and useful for my later and more in-depth studies. Although I didn't read the part on quantum physics and relativity, I'll give my comment on this book based on what I've read.
The book was written in an comprehensive way. No matter you 're a newcomer to physics or you already have some basis on general physics, the writers always give a careful and detailed desription on how they arrive at the results, and what assumptions they've made, so that you'll get a correct picture and understanding of the topic. Unlike some other textbooks, this book functions as a bridge for me to the more advanced physics courses, without much difficulties arised.
To improve the text, my idea is to introduce vector calculus in the E&M part, since it's essential for further studies on the topic.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best book for introductory physics, April 20, 2007

By 

proton - See all my reviews

This review is from: Physics, Volume 2 (Hardcover)

I used this book for my intro to Electricity and Magnetism and for my Intro to Modern Physics - Light, optics, atomic and nuclear physics, quantum mechanics. It has plenty of theory in it in that often the book doesn't just present you equations, but derives them. Of course this isn't always the case as the math in this book doesn't go beyond Calc II and some basic, easy stuff from Calc III. Not only the theory, but it includes plenty of decent historical experimental results to explain how the laws come about. Also, the optional sections are decent as well. I especially liked the optional section regarding electromagnetism and frames of reference. The book also comes with alot of exercises, about half of which are just plug-and chug problems that waste time. But the others require you to know your concepts or to really think. Most of the Problems are decent and require thinking. However, some times the book can get too wordy. Also, the section on quantum mechanics isn't great, but you can't blame this book because quantum mechanics is best described using mathematics including linear algebra and beyond. This book is far better than the one by Serway as this book goes into more detail and offers better explanations and has better Problems.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The defintive textbook on the subject, September 7, 2002

By 

Vijay Krishna (Chennai, TN, India) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Physics, Volume 2 (Hardcover)

I used this text for my undergraduate freshman year physics course. This was a recommended text and pretty soon I found out why it was popular with students. I have come across few books with such clarity and depth as this one.

The way the material was presented, and the way the ideas were pushed through as well as the pace was as if this book was written with someone like me in mind.

An indispensable book for any physics student...