Feynman’s Tips on Physics: A Problem-Solving Supplement to the Feynman Lectures on Physics
- ISBN13: 9780805390636
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
This new volume contains four previously unpublished lectures that Feynman gave to students preparing for exams. With characteristic insight and humor, Feynman discusses topics readers struggle with and offers valuable tips on solving physics problems. Exercises and answers by R. B. Leighton and R. E. Vogt are also included, along with an illuminating memoir by Matthew Sands. For all readers interested in physics.
Feynman’s Tips on Physics: A Problem-Solving Supplement to the Feynman Lectures on Physics
Tags: Feynman, Feynman's, Lectures, Physics, ProblemSolving, supplement, Tips
April 12th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Sometimes when a prominent author dies, his estate might authorise someone to go through his notes. In the hope of finding unpublished material that is of enough quality to be published. This could necessitate some editorial or extra authorial assistance. Think perhaps of fiction authors. Where final stories trickle out in the years after their deaths.
Precisely the case here. The 2 other authors of this book, Gottlieb and Leighton, have rummaged through Feynman’s records, and found these 4 “lost” lectures. In case you’re wondering, his 2 children have approved this venture. As perhaps the last new book you are likely to see with Richard Feynman’s name on it.
Of the chapters, the most interesting is really the introduction, that describes the circumstances by which the book came about. The actual physics is well done, of course. But this is not one of Feynman’s major works. Let’s be clear about it. Think of it as marginalia. An addendum to his Lectures on Physics.
The cover’s photo shows him as young and in good health. Unlike when I saw him in his last years, ravaged by cancer.
Rating: 4 / 5
April 13th, 2010 at 1:12 am
I was there and heard these things in the early 60’s. the lectures are still just as fascinating now as they were then, although I have forgotten most or all of the math that went with them.
Rating: 5 / 5
April 13th, 2010 at 3:03 am
I found this book extremely useful and enjoyable to read. I suggest reading this book before starting to read Feynman Lectures.
Rating: 5 / 5
April 13th, 2010 at 5:16 am
Different parts of this book will appeal to different readers.
There is a lot of information about how the book came to be published, providing insight into Feynman’s style.
There are the actual lectures, delivered mostly to students that were having trouble in the physics class, including the observation, mentioned in another review, that half the students have to be below average, even at Cal Tech.
These can help you improve your physical intuition.
There is a lecture on applied physics, covering gyroscopes and accelerometers
in navigation systems.
The numerical coefficients have probably been improved since then,
but the presentation is excellent.
There is also a collection of problems to practice on.
These seemed much better, much more realistic, much more interesting, than those I solved as a physics minor decades ago.
I hope a culinary analogy will help potential readers understand this book.
Yes this book is a bunch of leftovers.
Some chef’s leftovers are better than most cooks’ best efforts.
Feynman was a master chef in physics.
Rating: 4 / 5
April 13th, 2010 at 5:43 am
Firstly, ANYTHING by Richard Feynman is compulsive reading. Having said that I was a little bit disappointed because I was expecting some personal tips on his math techniqes. There is an interesting approach to differentiation and some stuff on numerical integration. There is a great deal on gyroscopes. There is a common sense homily to those who have to face the fact that SOMEONE has to be in the lower quartile of a class, and not to get disturbed by this statistical fact. For the few dollars it costs it is well worth it !
Rating: 4 / 5