Thermodynamics, Statistical Physics, and Quantum Mechanics A GUIDE TO PHYSICS PROBLEMS part 2

In spite of the obvious need, there is very littlesystematiceffort made to provide balanced, doable problems that do more than gratify the ego of the professor. Problems often are routine applications of procedures men-tioned in lectures or in books. They do little to force students to reflect seriously about new situations. Furthermore, the problems are often ex-cruciatingly dull and test persistence and intellectual stamina more than insight, technical skill, and originality. Another rather serious shortcoming is that most exams and problems carry the unmistakable imprint of the teacher. (In some excellent eastern U.S.universities, problems are cata-logued by instructor, so that a good deal is known about an exam even before it is written.)
In contrast,A Guide to Physics Problems, Part 2not only serves an important function, but is a pleasure to read. By selectingproblems from different universities and even different scientificcultures, the authors have effectively avoided a one-sided approach to physics. All the problems are good,some are very interesting,some positivelyintriguing, a few are crazy; but all of them stimulate the reader to think about physics, not merely to train you to pass an exam. I personallyreceived considerable pleasure in working the problems, and I would guess that anyone who wants to be a professional physicist wouldexperience similar enjoyment.