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Modern Physics, 2nd edition

Published by Pearson (July 26, 2007) © 2008

  • Randy Harris University of California, Davis
$197.32

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Modern Physics, Second Edition provides a clear, precise, and contemporary introduction to the theory, experiment, and applications of modern physics. Ideal for both physics majors and engineers, this eagerly awaited second edition puts the modern back into modern physics courses. Pedagogical features throughout the text focus the reader on the core concepts and theories while offering optional, more advanced sections, examples, and cutting-edge applications to suit a variety of students and courses. Critically acclaimed for his lucid style, in the second edition, Randy Harris applies the same insights into recent developments in physics, engineering, and technology.
  • A contemporary approach that incorporates recent developments in physics and up-to-date applications in engineering and technology make the physics relevant and engaging.
  • Critically acclaimed for a lucid and precise style, the book carefully balances concepts, theory, experimental data, and theory. It strives for complete exposition of fundamental ideas while addressing common misconceptions.
  • Progress and Applications sections survey current applications of the theories described in the chapter. Students see how what they learn applies to their chosen career and the opportunities available for professional physicists and engineers.
  • Worked Examples in the text carefully walk students step-by-step through solving problems to better prepare them to tackle the end-of-chapter problems.
  • Optional/Advanced sections are clearly labeled so that professors can pick and choose sections to optimally match the level, scope, and emphasis of their course.
  • Chapter Outlines and brief introductions give students a learning roadmap to the chapter ahead.
  • Chapter Summaries now incorporate a Basic Equations section to show how each equation relates to the key topics in the chapter, and to one another.
  • Challenge Problems are highlighted so professors can easily build assignments of ideal level, and know where they can push their best students.
  • Real-world examples underscore the relevance of the material to today’s practicing physicists and engineers and provide students with an opportunity to solve typical problems they may tackle in their future career.
  • “A Closer Look” sidebars explore more advanced derivations and equations can be included, or skipped, according to the level and emphasis of the particular course, and provide optional reading for more advanced students.
  • A larger number and a wider variety of problems than other texts is provided, including (1) conceptual questions, (2) quantitative problems sorted by section, (3) advanced problems, (4) general problems (incorporating ideas from an entire chapter and/or previous chapters, and (5) computational problems (using computer code and simulations provided on the Companion Website).
  • Pedagogically advanced figures incorporate research-proven “annotations” and provide exceptional clarification of key ideas.
  • Optional advanced math sections and real-world applications boxes allow students and professors to select material ideal for both physics and engineering students.
  • Targeted student and professor supplements further enhance teaching and learning from this text.
  1. Dawn of a New Age
  2. Special Relativity
  3. Waves and Particles I: Electromagnetic Radiation Behaving as Particles
  4. Waves and Particles II: Matter Behaving as Waves
  5. Bound States: Simple Cases
  6. Unbound States: Obstacles, Tunneling and Particle-Wave Propagation
  7. Quantum Mechanics in Three Dimensions and The Hydrogen Atom
  8. Spin and Atomic Physics
  9. Statistical Mechanics
  10. Bonding: Molecules and Solids
  11. Nuclear Physics
  12. Fundamental Particles and Interactions
    Appendices

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