4 comments about Gravity from the Ground Up: An Introductory Guide to Gravity and General Relativity.

1. This is possibly the best book i own. The book basically covers "all" the important topics in gravity, cosmology and astrophysics. For example equivalence principle, general relativity, gravitational waves, neutron stars, black holes, even a bit of quantum gravity (especially in last chapter) etc etc.
   
   Though i must warn that anyone who reads this book might accidentally turn into a theoretical physicist. Its that fascinating/exciting really and it really makes one feel that this is a special time in theoretical physics (waiting for quantum gravity and new astronomical observations and theories). In this respect it is somewhat similar to popular books.
   
   But i wouldnt call this a popular science book, since it goes deeper into things. For example i have Schutz's "First course in general relativity" and i think that up to the chapter on Einstein's equation it is easier than this. The reason is probably that this book doesnt use explicit calculus (well in a way it does with finite differences) or tensors; for example the chapter dealing with differential geometry and general relativity was pretty difficult to understand without tensors, but it gives very nice intuitive understanding for differential geometry/general relativity. There were other places were i understood something i havent really ever understood but was well explained here. All in all, this is an excellent book on gravity and cosmology and i recommend it to anyone.



2. I wanted to understand relativity, and tried many books. Up to know i met two kinds of books, the ones which i could not understand because they are to difficult, and the ones with a minimum of math, which are incomplete and oversimplified. I did not understand everything (e,g the Einstein equation and tensors) but most of this book gives me a deep insight in the beauty of relativity, cosmology and astronomy in a way no other book has done.



3. How many authors of popular science books begin their books by boasting that they can teach real science to readers who have no math--or no math beyond basic algebra? And then what do you get? Either a tub full of metaphors sloshing about promiscuously or else a math course so compressed it would leave Newton saying, "Duh?" But not in this book. Bernard Schutz takes the reader by the hand and leads him gently on. There is scarcely a bump in the road; yet, by the end of the book, you've not only learned a good deal of physics, astrophysics and cosmology, you've also gotten an inkling of how a physicist thinks. How does Schutz manage to succeed where failure is the rule? Well, partly by magic, I think. But partly by the clever use of simple computer simulations (downloadable for free) and partly by means of a very carefully thought out pedagogical strategy. This gentleman is a teacher par excellence. If you're only going to read one science book in your life, read this one. Just be prepared to spend some time with it.



4. This is a truly wonderful book. It is suitable for those with little physics and math backgrounds as well as those with more. It is, in fact, incredible how much one can learn here with so little math about topics normally associated with advanced math. In addition to learning many new things, I got great new insights into what I thought I already knew.
   
   I went to this book to learn about general relativity and cosmology. I got that and so much more. The book covers many fascinating topics about the earth, the solar system, galaxies, and brings in physics concepts when they are needed. A recurring theme is the effect of gravity and what resists gravity. So, e.g., white dwarfs are explained by quantum effects resisting complete collapse due to gravity. In addition to learning a lot about general relativity, you get introduced to some aspects of mechanics, statistical mechanics and quantum theory. All this while learning a great deal about astronomy and cosmology.
   
   Calculus isn't required and most of the demonstrations are done with physical arguments, analogies, and simple algebra. Computer programs are available from a website for those who want to use them to illustrate numerical results. (You don't need to use the programs to enjoy the book.) Of course, further study will, at some point, require more math. But this book demonstrates how much can be explained with the simplest concepts, and would be worthwhile for someone to read before getting immersed in the higher math.

4 comments about Problems and Solutions on Mechanics: Major American Universities Ph.D. Qualifying Questions and Solutions (Major American Universities PhD Qualifying Questions and Solutions).

1. This mechanics book is awesome. The problems on Hamiltonian and Lagrangian dynamics are clear and excellent in preparing students for exams. Also, for undergrads, this book provides great tutoring in angular momentum and special relativity.



2. This is by far, in my opinion, the best book for Mechanics. I was looking for a cheap, good book. And what I got, is simply THE BEST! There were alot of examples...explanations, etc.. And best of all, written by 27 Physicists?? How's that for a personal tutor who charges app. [...]???



3. Work and understand all of the problems in this book and you will pass your Physics Ph.D. qualifying exam in Mechanics. I did it!



4. All of these books titled "Problems and Solutions on (subject): Major American Universities Ph.D. Qualifying Questions and Solutions" are invaluable tools for a physics graduate student, in my experience. When doing homework assignments, studying for exams or the qualifying exam itself, most graduate students should be elated to have an arsenal of solved problems at their disposal. I have purchased nearly every one of these books and I use them often. The biggest books (mechanics, quantum, and E&M) are fantastic resources for qualifier problems and examples. When I show these books to my fellow students, they immediately ask me where they can get a copy of their own.

   One criticism: The index is sparse. It seems as though many problems are not listed under obvious key words. However, I have a suggestion for those that are also frustrated by this. Whenever I encounter an interesting problem, I go into the index and look under all of the obvious key words. If the problem is not listed, I add the problem number to the index in that spot. In all of my copies of these books, I am creating a comprehensive index. It takes time, but it is almost instructive to do this editing for it makes one more familiar with the book.

   One other thing: I haven't found many errors, but I have found a few. Usually they are not apparent until one is working through the little details of a problem.

   If you are a student in physics, I suggest that you get your hands on these books.

2 comments about Theoretical Mechanics of Particles and Continua.

1. This book covers all the main topics that a mechanics course at the advance undergraduate or graduate level should have and more. It starts with a first chapter on Basic Principles where the authors do a general review about Newtonian mechanics, that is, Newton's laws, angular momentum, energy, conservation laws, center of mass motion, two body motion with a central potential and scattering. Then follows a chapter on Accelerated Coordinate Systems where you encounter things like the Corioly acceleration and centrifugal forces. Chapter three is a delight, it is about Lagrangian Dynamics where you learn a much powerfull formalism than newton's equations to solve problems using the Lagrangian function, learning about virtual displacements and generalized coordinates (also D'Alambert and Hamilton's principle). Chapter four is about Small Oscillations, it is very important since here you learn to work with many-particle systems that are use a lot in condense matter physics, the very well known normal coordinates are here introduced. Chapter five is about Rigid Bodies, chapter six is about Hamiltonian Dynamics, this chapter connects very well with chapter three illustrating yet another method to solve mechanics problems by defining canonically momentas for every generalized coordinates and then finding a set of first orders differential equations involving the hamiltonian (as opposed to chapter three where either D'Alambert or Hamilton principle lead to a system of second order differential equations) The hamiltonian is defined as a Legendre transformation of the Lagrangian function, also the Poisson brackets are introduced here and it is even explained how to do the transition between classical and quantum mechanics and also canonical transformations are introduced. This first six chapters make purchasing this book worthwhile but as if this weren't enough there are still another seven chapters more! I will just write their names: 7-Strings, 8-Membranes, 9-Sound waves in fluids, 10-Surface waves on fluids, 11- Heat Conduction, 12-Viscous Fluids and 13-Elastic continua. It also brings 5 appendices. This book is very well written and I always come back to it when I have to remember some mechanics formula or issue to re-study, I say that this book and Goldstein are the best books you can get on classical mechanics.



2. Almost all homework problems require particularly solving techniques not discussed or hinted at in the book, making them extremely hard to (for about half the problems) impossible, they cannot be done. Students would need to seek out others on a regular basis (!) to get through these problems. Also, a third of the homework problems have little or nothing to do with the presented chapter theory. All of this combined with every single equation typeset and numbered, followed by no page references, a tremendous array of essential derivations steps not provided in the book, make this book impossible to use. Of course, teachers will enjoy the book for its conciseness, but for even the top undergraduates, this book is horrible! At least the publishers kept the book cost down by making the first edition softcover.

3 comments about Theory of Elasticity (McGraw-Hill Classic Textbook Reissue Series).

1. A classic text and a good buy for a whole career. It covers everything. I know it is quite an old book but it is still the best one around about elasticity. I was using this book in my university years when I was doing a General Engineering course however, I still find it very useful. This book is a must-have for all engineers.



2. Like all Timoshenko's books it is not a textbook. It is a collection of solved problems. This book does not provide the general vision of elasticity -one of the most beautiful physical theories.



3. It is said Tymoshenko is among the first who introduced mechanics to the states. I gave it five stars because of its historical importance.I have this book on shelf, due to it large influence but, to be frank, seldom referred to it. This book, like all other Tymoshenko's books, was written in a pure engieering fashion. If you are looking at these solved problems, like twisting of a prismatic bars, this is the book for you. It involves many classical technique for solving boundary value problmes. However, if you are more theoretically orientated, there are much better presentations outside, from the moderate mathematical Fung's book, to the highly mathematical Green's book. It is my opinion that the beautiful theoretical parts of elasticity are absent in Tymoshenko.

5 comments about 700 Solved Problems In Vector Mechanics for Engineers Volume II: Dynamics (Schaum's Solved Problems Series).

1. This book has it right. A very good sample of the kinds of problems seen in a statics course. All the problems are worked out with written solutions. I found a copy at a local library. If this book was in print I would buy it.



2. I will only say this...I would not sell my 2 volumes for a thousand dollars. I hope that these books are someday back in print as they are the ULTIMATE guides to learning, understanding and mastering this material. A MUST HAVE!.



3. This book is possibly the best dynamics books I've laid my hands on. I am an engineering student using this for a first-year Mechanics course, and this book is a lifesaver.
   
   Each chapter starts with 'questions' like 'give a definition of moment of inertia' and then proceeds to actually explain the concepts as opposed to starting with lengthy derivations. The text is clear, aided by diagrams and the derivations that are provided are usually easy to follow.
   
   But the real gem comes afterwards - the author starts with small, fairly simple problems in the beginning, and then each successive problem builds on the concepts learned from the earlier problems. In this way, one learns progressively, as opposed to having all the information presented at once. After six or seven questions, you will be solving more advanced questions. It is *essential* to work through the problems in order unless one already has a thorough knowledge of the topics covered in those problems. The worked solutions don't just give a method, they give explanations and the rationale behind solving it that particular way.
   
   I cannot recommend this book highly enough - I went from dreading Dynamics to loving the challenge.
   
   Be aware though that this book does not cover orbital dynamics.



4. If your text book is Beer Vector Mechanics for Engineers 8 edition, I think you'll find this a very helpful supplement. Equations are similarly formatted, but explanations are somewhat different (and for me more understandable). Many problems are more basic and you get the chance to build up to the problems in Beer's book.
   
   It's infinitely more helpful than Schaum's Engineering Mechanics Statics and Dynamics 5th Ed, by E.W.Nelson, C.L. Best, et al. If you're using the Beer book, I think this Schaum's book will confuse and frustrate you.



5. I purchased this solution's manual to assist me with Beer & Johnston's Vector Mechanics for Engineers. Although the solutions they provide therein are clear and complete, you should not expect to find a solution to a specific problem bedeviling you. I spent a great deal of time looking for a similar solved problem from which I could harvest the technique and apply to my situation but, 70% of the time I was unsuccessful. In the absence of a solutions manual from the publisher and limited professor office hours, this may be your only recourse. Good Luck!

5 comments about Professional Driving Techniques: The Essential Guide to Operating a Motor Vehicle with Confidence and Skill.

1. I have actually started driving since a a bit more than a year ago. I was taught the basics by my friends, but I knew i had to learn more than those "basics", so I bought a lot of books and read them on my spare time. This book written by Scotti is something that really helped me a lot because it has a lot of information and detailed explanations, including the physics involved in driving. Somehow, the knowledge I gained here helped me become a more confident and a reliable driver. I would recommend this book for all who really need to become good drivers. Don't just drive, drive safely, well and correctly! This is the essence of the book. And how to do that? It's in this book.



2. This is a great book!! Lots of useful information that the everyday person can use. It is written in a way that is easy to understand. As a new mom the information on car seats was very valuable.
   I highly recommend this book. We all spend ALOT of time driving and the more information we have the better!!!!



3. As a concerned father, I bought this book with the idea that it might be something my daughter could benefit from. Well, after reading it and discovering that, even after twenty plus years behind the wheel I still have a lot learn I've got to say that this is a must read for anyone who gets behind the wheel. It is well written and easy to read and got my daughter to finally start asking some great questions about driving.
   
   I took the liberty of "googling" Tony Scotti's name and was impressed with how much was out there. Even has his own websites (www.securitydriver.com and www. vehicledynamics.net). Though most of the content may not be suitable for the young driver, it certainly puts safe driving in a new light.



4. I was actually looking for something along the lines of executive protection detail driving. This book is not it! However, it does seem to cover all the bases for teaching my daughter the basics of how and why a vehicle reacts the way it does and other good safety tips for beginner drivers.



5. Driving Techniques for the Professional and Non-Professional was one of just a few excellent reference sources for my safe driving CD "Mind the Road - Mind the Road: Waking Hypnosis for a Conscious Commute. The advice and recommendations from this book were a great inspiration for the suggestions my audio CD gives to drivers as they start their drive to have a safe and focused drive. I would highly recommend this book with my audio CD to help drivers be prepared for what potentials the road may present to them.

5 comments about Quantum Mechanics: Non-Relativistic Theory, Volume 3, Third Edition (Quantum Mechanics) (Quantum Mechanics).

1. It is really a shame to have such a classic text with a typesetting that makes much of the mathematics almost unreadable. For example, the authors often use either a tilde, hat (carat), and dot (period) on top of operators, sometimes in combination. These are so badly rendered that you have to derive their identities from the context of the surrounding discussion. Frequently parts of characters are missing as if an old typewriter with a worn ribbon were used. I have 2 other volumes in this series (Mechanics and Statistical Physics Part 1) which do not suffer these defects. My 2-star rating is in no way a reflection of the contents nor the authors, which get 5 stars (based on the prose and the equations I CAN read).



2. this is very great theoretical quantum book. Although you cannot start learning quantum mechanics from this book, But for extended theoretical studies, in the concept of quantum mechanics in general, and also in specific fields. I recommend this book. This book is number 5 of my quantum books, it is so far the most consistent, but I understand also this is because quantum is not a strange subject to me any more. I really recommended for graduate students, or undergraduates who have good understanding of the mathematical calculation for basic quantum.
   great book after all.



3. Great supplement to Griffith's book as well as Woodgate's book. Some of the other positive comments here say it all.



4. If one wants to understand Quantum Mechanics then she or he should read this book.



5. This is a great book to reference if you already have some mastery of Quantum Mechanics. Does not who any math, but has many illustrating and difficult examples.

5 comments about Fundamentals of Microelectronics.

1. I might not have a chance to attend Behzad Razavi lecture because i live far away (Malaysia) and no $$ to study in UCLA Electrical Engineering Department. I have read his book (Fundamental of Microelectronics) and i love this book very much, every single words and statement are written so clear and precise to let you understand. I believe he is a good lecturer.
   If one day i became Electronics Designer, ASIC Designer, Analog / Digital Layout Designer, etc in big company, i sure treat him a great dinner / lunch.



2. I have spent quite a bit of money on electrical engineering textbooks, and I have to say that out of the 50 or so that I have, that this book outdoes all of them by far. This author presents the material so clearly that most, if not all of your questions will be answered. The book is super cheap too! I dont get it! This book is priceless...my only gripe is that there are no answers in the back for the homework probs...



3. Dr. Razavi has written almost all of his books in a very beginner level easy to understand format. This book is pretty much the same. I like reading his books and I would say they rank very high amongst similar books. I liked this book a lot but I was expecting more MOS coverage than Bipolar. Also, since this book came out when technologies have changed considerably, I would have expected it to delve deeper into the small dimension design issues. I understand it deals with fundamentals but fundamentals have changed significantly over the past decade. This material duplicates that found in most other fundamental books albeit presented in a trademark "Razavi" method. I liked the exercises which have some challenging problems and design questions. In a future revision, I hope Dr. Razavi considers adding chapters on modern MOSFET circuit design challenges.



4. This is book is so clear and very easy to read and showed many hidden concepts to me , and its better than sedra/smith book ,if you want to read sedra's book,you've to read that book first , its very nice , i would give it 10 stars ! i will buy any book by this author , and i wish he writes another books.



5. wow, the amount of typos that I discovered (let alone missed) in the first 4 chapters is staggering. Wouldn't recommend.

4 comments about Problems and Solutions on Quantum Mechanics: Major American Universities Ph. D. Qualifying Questions and Solutions.

1. I study physics in Chile, and this book has been pretty useful for a first course in QM, but I have to note that the first 170 pages are titled "Problems and Solutions on Electromagnetism"! I hope someone gets word to the editor....

   Other than that, I'm pretty sure this book will find a place on your private shelf.




2. Sometimes it is very difficult to teach a course in quantum mechanics because there are few problems that have solutions that do not require months of research and numerical methods to solve. I have found that in my own courses on quantum mechanics, I take a lot of notes and I do a lot of homework assignments, but I don't have a whole lot of concrete, well-explained problems and solutions to show for all of the work. Since I found this book and those that accompany it, however, I have a very good source for problems and their solutions in QM. These problems are an excellent study aid for the solutions provide insight into the basics of the field. Strongly recommended.



3. All of these books titled "Problems and Solutions on (subject): Major American Universities Ph.D. Qualifying Questions and Solutions" are invaluable tools for a physics graduate student, in my experience. For quantum mechanics in particular, solved problems often illustrate difficult concepts better than any explanatory paragraph in a text.

   Criticism: Sparse index and contents. You'll find yourself adding notes to pages in the book quite often.

   If you are a student in physics, I suggest that you get your hands on these books.




4. I'm glad to pursache this book of problems of quantum mechanics because it is a great variety of them from varios universitys. Thank you.

No comments about Engineering Fluid Mechanics.