Finding a collected set of problems in thermodynamics and quantum mechanics with their solutions is a challenge. A Guide to Physics Problems Part 2 answers that challenge well, though imperfectly. Here are the book's strengths:

- The problems are varied and cover lots of ground.

- There are not hundreds of problems just for the sake of having hundreds of problems. Problems are selected carefully to make sure that they don't overlap concepts. This means you'll do a few problems on each topic, with each problem requiring different skills and techniques. Repitition is thankfully minimized.

- Problems are written clearly and succintly.

- All problems seem "fair". These are concepts I would expect to see tested on graduate level exams.

But there are also weaknesses:

- The solutions are not always crystal clear. At times, I found myself wondering where particular equations came from.

- I found certain concepts not covered well. For example, in the quantum mechanics section, I don't recall any problems regarding free particle states.

Overall, this is a solid and useful purchase. While not perfect, it's still one of the better resources out there for learning thermo and QM.

I simply did the problems in this book and then passed the Caltech physics phd qualifying exam for quantum and statistical mechanics. The difference between this book and the standard Yung-kuo book for practice problems is brevity. Yung-kuo simply has too many problems, many of which are very similar, teaching no new concepts. Cahn, on the other hand, has picked a smaller but more meaningful subset of problems. There are few enough problems that you can do them all in a reasonable amount of time, but enough that you hit all the major concepts. I highly recommend it for anyone studying for physics quals, or for an undergraduate with a couple weeks of time who is about to do the GRE. I realize that the GRE doesn't have in-depth problems, but depth problems you master the concepts that the GRE does test on.

This book provides elegant physics problems (and solutions) from the preliminary doctoral exams of some prestigious universities. Very good for preparing these exams and also gaining problem solving skills in physics (not only for exams).

With these problems, I also understood some concepts which were not clear before. This book can, therefore, be used as a source for applications of the corresponding subjects. I strongly recommend it.