Here’s a draft review for Harris, Randy. Modern Physics, 2nd Edition (PDF version):
Relativity First – Most modern physics texts start with the old quantum theory (blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect). Harris starts with special relativity. This is a pedagogical masterstroke because relativity uses familiar ideas (kinematics, simultaneity) to shatter classical intuition, preparing the mind for the even stranger quantum world.
The early 20th century was a time of great change in the field of physics. The discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895 and the discovery of radioactivity by Henri Becquerel in 1896 marked the beginning of a new era in physics. In 1897, J.J. Thomson discovered the electron, and in 1911, Ernest Rutherford discovered the nucleus. These discoveries led to a fundamental shift in our understanding of the structure of atoms and the nature of matter.
Review:
Randy Harris’s Modern Physics, 2nd Edition is a well-regarded textbook for upper-level undergraduates. It covers relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic structure, statistical physics, and solid-state physics with a conceptual yet mathematically clear approach. The writing is engaging and the worked examples are helpful.
Fundamental Particles and Interactions: Overview of the Standard Model and particle physics. Accessing the Material
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