Want to study physics? Read these 10 books

Simon Clark
5 Mar 201814:15
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this informative video, the speaker shares their extensive collection of physics books, recommending ten titles across two categories: popular science books and textbooks. The popular science category includes classics like 'Six Easy Pieces' by Richard Feynman, which provides an accessible introduction to physics, and 'Alex's Adventures in Numberland' by Alex Bellos, which makes math enjoyable and less intimidating. The speaker also recommends 'The Physics of the Impossible' by Michio Kaku for its engaging presentation of advanced concepts through a science fiction lens. For textbooks, 'Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering' by Riley, Hobson, and Bents is highlighted as an indispensable math resource, while 'Fundamentals of Physics' by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker serves as a broad introductory physics text. The bonus book, 'The Visual Display of Quantitative Information' by Edward Tufte, is praised for its impact on the speaker's scientific presentation skills, emphasizing the importance of clear and effective data visualization in scientific communication.

Takeaways
  • 📚 The speaker has a substantial collection of physics books accumulated through their undergraduate and PhD studies in physics.
  • 🔬 The video recommends 10 books divided into two categories: popular science books and textbooks, suitable for those interested in physics or as gifts for aspiring physicists.
  • 📚 'Six Easy Pieces' by Richard Feynman is highlighted as a classic introductory physics book, derived from his renowned lecture series.
  • 📘 'Six Not So Easy Pieces' is recommended for those looking to delve into the subject of relativity, building on Feynman's earlier work.
  • 🧮 'Alex's Adventures in Numberland' by Alex Bellos is suggested for those who find math intimidating, as it can enhance the understanding and enjoyment of physics.
  • ⚙️ 'The Physics of the Impossible' by Michio Kaku uses science fiction to make advanced physics concepts accessible to a younger audience.
  • 🚀 'Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed' by Manjit Kumar is praised for its historical approach to explaining quantum mechanics.
  • 📈 'Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering' by Riley, Hobson, and Bents is the most influential math textbook the speaker has used, covering a wide range of mathematical topics.
  • 📖 'Fundamentals of Physics' by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker is an introductory physics textbook that provides a broad but not deeply detailed overview of physics topics.
  • 🎓 'Grad, Div, Curl, and All That' by H. M. Schey is recommended for understanding vector calculus, which is crucial for physics but not always well-covered in literature.
  • ☕ 'Concepts in Thermal Physics' by Blundell and Blundell is an underrated book that introduces historical context to thermodynamics, making it engaging and accessible.
  • 📊 'The Visual Display of Quantitative Information' by Edward Tufte is a book about data visualization that has significantly improved the speaker's ability to present scientific information effectively.
Q & A

  • What are the two categories of books recommended in the video?

    -The two categories of books recommended are popular science books, which introduce concepts in a general way, and textbooks for those looking to get ahead in their physics studies.

  • Which book is suggested as an introduction to physics and Richard Feynman's work?

    -'Six Easy Pieces' by Richard Feynman is suggested as an introduction to physics and his work.

  • What book is recommended for those who are interested in the history of quantum mechanics?

    -The book 'Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed' by Manjit Kumar is recommended for those interested in the historical development of quantum mechanics.

  • How does the book 'Alex's Adventures in Numberland' by Alex Bellos influence one's perspective on mathematics?

    -The book 'Alex's Adventures in Numberland' changes the way one thinks about mathematics, making it seem less intimidating and more fun, thus sparking interest in the subject.

  • Which book uses science fiction to explain modern physics concepts?

    -'The Physics of the Impossible' by Michio Kaku uses science fiction to explain modern physics concepts in an engaging way.

  • What is the most influential math textbook mentioned in the video?

    -The most influential math textbook mentioned is 'Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering' by Riley, Hobson, and Bents.

  • What textbook is recommended for those looking to understand vector calculus in depth?

    -The textbook 'Grad, Div, Curl, and All That' by H.M. Schey is recommended for in-depth understanding of vector calculus.

  • Which book is suggested for those interested in the study of thermodynamics?

    -'Concepts in Thermal Physics' by Blundell and Blundell is suggested for those interested in the study of thermodynamics.

  • What book is recommended for improving the presentation of scientific data through graphical means?

    -The book 'The Visual Display of Quantitative Information' by Edward Tufte is recommended for improving the graphical presentation of scientific data.

  • What is the significance of the book 'Six Not So Easy Pieces' in relation to 'Six Easy Pieces'?

    -'Six Not So Easy Pieces' is a follow-up to 'Six Easy Pieces' and focuses on the subject of relativity, which was not covered in the original book due to its complexity.

  • What advice is given for those who are keen on studying physics but find mathematics challenging?

    -The advice given is to read 'Alex's Adventures in Numberland' by Alex Bellos, which can change one's perspective on mathematics and make it more enjoyable and less intimidating.

  • What type of content can be expected from the video made with Socratic about studying physics?

    -The video with Socratic discusses the speaker's experiences studying physics, how they got into it, their PhD journey, the use of math and programming, and tips for effective study.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Introduction to Physics Book Recommendations

The speaker shares their extensive collection of physics books accumulated over the years, including those from their undergraduate and PhD studies. They plan to recommend 10 books in two categories: popular science books that introduce physics concepts in a general way, and textbooks for those looking to get ahead in their studies or as a reference. The speaker also mentions that links to the books will be provided in the video description and encourages viewers to check the comments section for additional recommendations.

05:00
🌟 Popular Science Books for Physics Enthusiasts

The speaker begins with five popular science book recommendations starting with 'Six Easy Pieces' by Richard Feynman, a classic that introduces various areas of physics through Feynman's renowned lectures. They also suggest 'Six Not So Easy Pieces' for a deeper understanding of relativity. 'Alex's Adventures in Numberland' by Alex Bellos is recommended for its ability to make math engaging and less intimidating, which is crucial for physics studies. 'The Physics of the Impossible' by Michio Kaku is highlighted for its unique approach to explaining complex physics concepts through science fiction, making it an excellent choice for a younger audience. Lastly, 'Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed' by Manjit Kumar is praised for its historical approach to explaining quantum mechanics, which the speaker found particularly effective.

10:02
📘 Textbooks and a Bonus Book for Aspiring Physicists

The speaker recommends 'Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering' by Riley, Hobson, and Bents as the most influential math textbook for physics students, covering a wide range of mathematical topics with ample exercises. 'Fundamentals of Physics' by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker is suggested as a broad introductory physics textbook suitable for high school students or first-year university students. 'Grant Div, Curl, and All That' by H. M. Schey is highlighted for its focus on vector calculus, an essential topic in physics. 'Concepts in Thermal Physics' by Blundell and Blundell is praised for its accessible and engaging approach to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Lastly, 'The Visual Display of Quantitative Information' by Edward Tufte is introduced as a bonus book that, while not a physics textbook, is essential for anyone presenting scientific data visually, providing guidelines for creating clear and effective figures.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Physics Books
Physics books are a collection of literature that cover various topics and concepts within the field of physics. In the video, the speaker discusses a personal collection built over years of study, including undergraduate and PhD work. These books are recommended for those interested in studying physics or for gifting to aspiring physicists, highlighting their importance in educational and professional development.
💡Popular Science Books
Popular science books are written to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience. The video categorizes the first set of book recommendations as popular science, which introduces concepts in maths and science in a general, engaging way. 'Six Easy Pieces' by Richard Feynman is given as an example, noted for being a classic and an appropriate introduction to physics for a wide audience.
💡Textbooks
Textbooks are educational books providing comprehensive information on a particular subject, often used for studying and reference. The video recommends textbooks for those looking to get ahead in their physics studies or for reference during a university course. 'Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering' by Riley, Hobson, and Bents is highlighted as influential, indicating the depth and practicality of content in textbooks.
💡Quantum Mechanics
Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that describes the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. The video discusses 'Six Easy Pieces' partially covering this topic and recommends 'Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed' by Manjit Kumar for a historical introduction to the field, emphasizing its significance as a cornerstone of 20th-century physics.
💡Relativity
Relativity refers to the physical theories proposed by Albert Einstein, including special and general relativity. The video mentions 'Six Not So Easy Pieces', which discusses this topic in depth, drawing from Feynman's lectures. Relativity is a subject of great interest to those studying advanced physics and is presented as a sequel to 'Six Easy Pieces'.
💡Mathematics in Physics
The video emphasizes the intrinsic relationship between physics and mathematics, stating that a physics degree is essentially a mathematics degree with applications. 'Alex's Adventures in Numberland' by Alex Bellos is recommended to make mathematics less intimidating and more interesting, particularly for those who may not initially enjoy the mathematical aspects of physics.
💡Vector Calculus
Vector calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with vector fields and is crucial for understanding certain physical phenomena. The video recommends 'Grant, Div, Curl, and All That' by H. M. Schey for its focus on this important mathematical technique, noting its significance in physics, especially in fields like atmospheric physics.
💡Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is the study of the relationships between heat, work, and energy. The video highlights 'Concepts in Thermal Physics' by Blundell and Blundell as an underrated textbook that provides an engaging introduction to this area, including historical context through biographies of key scientists, making it a valuable resource for those studying physics.
💡Graphic Design in Science
The video discusses the importance of graphic design in the presentation of scientific information, recommending 'The Visual Display of Quantitative Information' by Edward Tufte. This book is noted for improving the speaker's ability to create clear and effective figures for scientific communication, a critical skill for scientists presenting their work.
💡Studying Physics
The video touches on the speaker's experiences and strategies for studying physics, including the use of various resources like Socratic for learning how to study physics effectively. It suggests that understanding how to approach the study of physics is as important as the content found in books and textbooks.
💡Historical Context
The video emphasizes the value of understanding the historical context of scientific concepts, as seen in the recommendation of 'Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed' and 'Concepts in Thermal Physics'. This approach helps situate scientific ideas and makes learning more engaging by connecting the development of theories to the people who contributed to them.
Highlights

The speaker has built a substantial collection of physics books over the years, including those from undergraduate and PhD studies.

Recommends 10 books in two categories: popular science books and textbooks, suitable for those studying physics or as gifts for aspiring physicists.

Popular science books introduce concepts in maths and science in a general, accessible way, while textbooks are for deeper study and reference.

All recommended books will have Amazon links in the video description and comments section for further reading.

Recommends 'Six Easy Pieces' by Richard Feynman as an excellent introduction to physics and a personal favorite.

Suggests 'Six Not So Easy Pieces' for a deeper dive into relativity, based on Feynman's lectures.

Highlights the importance of maths in physics and recommends 'Alex's Adventures in Numberland' by Alex Bellos for making maths more enjoyable.

Presents 'The Physics of the Impossible' by Michio Kaku as a lighter, science fiction-oriented book suitable for a younger audience interested in physics.

Discusses 'Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed' by Manjit Kumar as a historically-driven introduction to quantum mechanics.

Mentions alternative books for understanding quantum mechanics, 'In Search of Schrodinger's Cat' and 'The Elegant Universe', for different learning preferences.

Recommends a video on how to study physics made in collaboration with Socratic for those interested in the speaker's approach to learning physics.

Cites 'Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering' by Riley, Hobson, and Bents as the most influential math textbook used during the speaker's degrees.

Recommends 'Fundamentals of Physics' by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker as a broad introductory physics textbook.

Suggests 'Grant, Div, Curl, and All That' by H. M. Schey as a valuable resource for understanding vector calculus, crucial in physics.

Praises 'Concepts in Thermal Physics' by Blundell and Blundell as an underrated gem for its historical context and engaging writing style.

Introduces 'The Visual Display of Quantitative Information' by Edward Tufte as a book that improved the speaker's ability to create effective scientific figures.

Encourages viewers to check the description for Amazon links to the books and to share their favorite physics books in the comments.

Transcripts

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Physics BooksPopular ScienceTextbooksMathematicsQuantum MechanicsRelativityScience FictionHistorical ContextVector CalculusThermodynamicsGraphic Design