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Aug 3, 2024, 9:46:03 PM8/3/24

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The Theoretical Minimum: A Series of Books by Leonard Susskind

If you are interested in learning physics from a renowned physicist and a father of string theory, you might want to check out the series of books by Leonard Susskind called The Theoretical Minimum. These books are based on his popular lectures for the public at Stanford University, and they aim to teach you the essential concepts and skills you need to start doing physics yourself.

The first book in the series is Classical Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum, co-authored by George Hrabovsky. It covers topics such as motion, dynamics, energy, action, symmetries, Hamiltonian mechanics, phase space, Poisson brackets, and electric and magnetic forces. It also includes an appendix on central forces and planetary orbits. You can download a PDF version of this book from [^1^].

The second book is Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum, co-authored by Art Friedman. It explains the theory and mathematics of quantum mechanics, discussing topics such as uncertainty, time dependence, particle and wave states, entanglement, measurement, spin, and the SchrÃdinger equation. You can download a PDF version of this book from [^2^].

The third book is Special Relativity and Classical Field Theory: The Theoretical Minimum, also co-authored by Art Friedman. It introduces the concepts of special relativity, such as time dilation, length contraction, Lorentz transformations, and relativistic energy and momentum. It also covers classical field theory, such as electromagnetism, scalar fields, vector fields, and tensors. You can find this book on Amazon or other online bookstores.

The fourth book is Statistical Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum, co-authored by George Hrabovsky. It explores the principles of statistical mechanics, such as entropy, temperature, equilibrium, Boltzmann distribution, phase transitions, and thermodynamics. It also applies these principles to various systems, such as ideal gases, magnets, black holes, and quantum systems. You can also find this book on Amazon or other online bookstores.

The fifth book is Quantum Field Theory: The Theoretical Minimum, co-authored by Art Friedman. It presents the basics of quantum field theory, such as fields, particles, Feynman diagrams, gauge symmetries, renormalization, scattering amplitudes, and the Standard Model of particle physics. It also discusses some advanced topics, such as quantum electrodynamics, quantum chromodynamics, and the Higgs mechanism. This book is expected to be published in 2022.

If you want to learn more about physics from Leonard Susskind himself, you can also watch his lectures on YouTube or visit his website at theoreticalminimum.com/.

Why should you read these books? Because they are not just popularizations that shy away from the mathematical details and the weirdness of physics. They are rigorous and honest introductions that challenge you to think like a physicist and to master the tools and concepts that are essential for understanding the physical world. They are also written in a clear and engaging style, with plenty of examples, exercises, and diagrams to help you along the way.

Whether you are a student, a teacher, a hobbyist, or a lifelong learner, you will find these books to be valuable resources for expanding your knowledge and appreciation of physics. They will also prepare you for more advanced topics and research in physics, if you decide to pursue them further. So don't hesitate and start reading The Theoretical Minimum today!