Physics Books

Here’s a list of books for aspiring physics majors:

Feynman, Richard P.  Six Easy Pieces.  Feynman, one of the greatest physicists of the mid twentieth century, gave a series of lectures in the 1960s that revolutionized the teaching of physics; here are those lectures on six key elements of physics- atoms, basic physics, energy, gravitation, quantum mechanics, and the relationship of physics to other topics.  

Gamow, George.  One, Two, Three…Infinity. Interesting, readable book that explains how math and physics really work. This is an older book – first published in 1947 – but many successful scientists link their interest in science to this book.

Hawking, Stephen. A Brief History of Time. Very popular book that first surveys how the human understanding of the universe has developed with the scientific discoveries of the last few centuries. as well as discussing modern cosmology from the Big Bang to black holes, written in straightforward language.

Neuenschwander, Dwight E. Emmy Noether’s Wonderful Theorem.  This book provides an introduction to symmetry and invariance using the theorem Noether developed in 1915, including enough contextual information for readers to understand the importance and usefulness of the theorem. Neuenschwander also weaves in biographical and historical information and provides questions and problems at the end of each chapter.

Povey, Thomas.  Professor Povey’s Perplexing Problems: Pre-University Physics and Maths Puzzles with Solutions This charming book is a collection of physics problem, using a wide variety of topics, and their solutions.  Not just variations on the typical AP Physics problems; solving Povey’s problems will expand your understanding of physics and improve your problem-solving skills. 

Rovelli, Carlo. Helgoland.  This is a well written, even beautiful, explanation of the discovery of quantum physics and exploration for what that means for how we think about the world.

Stewart, Ian. In Pursuit of the Unknown: 17 Equations that Changed the World. Stewart explores how 17 equations made the advances of the modern world possible. Readable, informative and entertaining.

BONUS:

This is fiction, and old, but also very fun:

Abbott, Edwin A. Flatland. This novel, published in the 19th century is written from the perspective of a two dimensional square explaining what it’s like to live in only two dimensions. The writing is a bit old fashioned, but the book is short and often funny.