Intended for science and engineering students with a background in introductory physics and calculus, this textbook creates a bridge between classical and modern physics, filling the gap between descriptive elementary texts and formal graduate textbooks. The book presents the main topics and concepts of special relativity and quantum mechanics, starting from the basic aspects of classical physics and analysing these topics within a modern physics frame. The classical experiments that gave rise to modern physics are also critically discussed, and special emphasis is devoted to solid-state physics and its relationship with modern physics.
Key Features
- Creates a bridge between classical and modern physics, filling the gap between elementary and formal/theoretical texts
- Takes a critical approach, arguing that the difficulty with describing modern physics phenomena can be transformed into cultural challenges which require new forms of reasoning
- Discusses solid-state physics and its relationship with modern physics
- Includes details of classic experiments, including computer‐assisted experiments that can help demonstrate modern physics principles
- Includes practice exercises and applets that simulate key concepts
I have identified two different categories of possible users who could very much appreciate this work. The first are obviously the undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, materials science and, also, some types of engineering. They can find in this volume a wealth of interesting and useful information, complementing the study of the formal foundations of theoretical physics and the structure of matter.
The second are high school teachers who, by adapting the material proposed here, can build a robust teaching offer in “modern physics” to their students, as required by modern ministerial programs. Finally, this manual represents an ideal tool for a course on teaching methods and techniques of physics.
Although the volume is written by many authors, there are no overlaps or unnecessary repetitions, testifying to the care that has been taken in coordinating the drafts of the various chapters. The graphics (in color) are of a good standard, the formalism is accurate and precise, the layout is pleasant and functional for easy reading. Each chapter is completed by a rich bibliography.
In summary: a very successful manual.
Luciano Colombo (University of Cagliari) 2021 Il Nuovo Cimento Società Italiana di Fisica
About the Author :
Canio Noce studied physics at the University of Salerno and earned a PhD in physics at the University of Naples Federico II. Since 1991, he has worked at the University of Salerno, where he is currently a professor of theoretical physics, and the director of the specialized master’s course named New Teaching Methods in Modern Physics, which is devoted to advanced graduate students and high-school teachers.
Review :
I have identified two different categories of possible users who could very much appreciate this work. The first are obviously the undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, materials science and, also, some types of engineering. They can find in this volume a wealth of interesting and useful information, complementing the study of the formal foundations of theoretical physics and the structure of matter.
The second are high school teachers who, by adapting the material proposed here, can build a robust teaching offer in “modern physics” to their students, as required by modern ministerial programs. Finally, this manual represents an ideal tool for a course on teaching methods and techniques of physics.
Although the volume is written by many authors, there are no overlaps or unnecessary repetitions, testifying to the care that has been taken in coordinating the drafts of the various chapters. The graphics (in color) are of a good standard, the formalism is accurate and precise, the layout is pleasant and functional for easy reading. Each chapter is completed by a rich bibliography.
In summary: a very successful manual.
Luciano Colombo (University of Cagliari) 2021 Il Nuovo Cimento Società Italiana di Fisica
Modern Physics: A Critical Approach is clearly primarily aimed at students of the course fromwhich it sprang. Most aspects of modern physics are covered, many of the most difficult are presented well but there is a considerable range of style both linguistically and mathematically. New mathematical notation is often introduced with the assumption that students are familiar with it: unless courses were closely aligned with previous work, this would need addressing in use. In general, the style is florid, in some cases to the point of obfuscation. Some translations are puzzling and have a Googlesque quality about them, e.g. ‘a simultaneous elision’ meaning node ‘bell’ meaning antinode, etc. Theoretical chapters are interspersed with experimental and instrumental ones. All contain useful information but the sequence and relation of the chapters do not feel comfortably logical.
R. S. Shorter, Contemporary Physics, August 2021
