Should I buy Kittel's Introduction to Solid State Physics?

In summary: You might want to check out some of these books:Another classic is Ashcroft and Mermin, which I like for looking up something about solid-state physics, but I'm not an expert in this field. You might want to check out some of these books:In summary, you should buy Kittlel's Introduction to Solid State Physics if you are looking for a good primer on the topic, or you could consider Solid State Physics by AJ Dekker if you want a more in-depth treatment.
  • #1
Slimy0233
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I want to know your opinion on whether I should buy Kittlel's Introduction to Solid State Physics or some other book to study Solid State Physics. I was going through the solutions manual for the book and I realized that it had only 72 questions in it. I was wondering if it was enough to get a good understanding of Solid State Physics? Should I be buying other books along with Kittel to get a deeper understanding of the topic as well as solve problems? thank you! Or should I go with Solid State Pysics by AJ Dekker?

Edit: I have Problems in General Physics by IE Irodov, might this and Kittel be enough?
 
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  • #6
malawi_glenn said:
You could find course websites which uses Kittel as main book and see if you can find homeworks, additional problems, old exams and such

Have you considered https://www.amazon.com/dp/352740855X/?tag=pfamazon01-20 or https://www.amazon.se/gp/aw/d/9814366870/
Hey, I just found out that Kittel is not that easy to understand and Dekker would be an excellent book for a beginner. Do you agree with this?

Thank you again! (might make a post about this, this has hardly been discussed in this forum)
 
  • #9
Another classic is Ashcroft and Mermin, which I like for looking up something about solid-state physics, but I'm not an expert in this field.
 
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FAQ: Should I buy Kittel's Introduction to Solid State Physics?

Is Kittel's "Introduction to Solid State Physics" suitable for beginners?

Kittel's "Introduction to Solid State Physics" is often considered a standard text for students who have already had some exposure to basic physics and mathematics. While it is comprehensive, it can be challenging for absolute beginners. It is best suited for advanced undergraduate or early graduate students.

How does Kittel's book compare to other solid state physics textbooks?

Kittel's book is one of the most widely used and cited textbooks in the field of solid state physics. It is known for its thorough coverage of fundamental concepts. However, some students and educators find other textbooks, such as Ashcroft and Mermin's "Solid State Physics" or Simon's "The Oxford Solid State Basics," to be more accessible or better suited for their particular teaching style.

Are there enough worked examples and problems in Kittel's book?

Kittel's book includes a number of problems at the end of each chapter, which are crucial for reinforcing the material. However, the worked examples within the chapters are relatively few. Students may need to supplement their study with additional problem sets or solution manuals to fully grasp the concepts.

Is the latest edition of Kittel's book significantly better than the previous ones?

The latest editions of Kittel's "Introduction to Solid State Physics" have been updated to include new developments and more modern topics in the field. While the core content remains largely the same, the updates can be valuable for staying current. If you have access to an older edition, it can still be very useful, but the latest edition might offer additional insights and updated references.

Does Kittel's book cover both theoretical and experimental aspects of solid state physics?

Kittel's book primarily focuses on the theoretical foundations of solid state physics, though it does touch upon experimental techniques and results to some extent. For a more balanced approach that includes detailed experimental methods, students might need to consult additional resources or specialized texts.

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