College Physics ›› 2026, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (6): 90-.doi: 10.16854/j.cnki.1000-0712.250521

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Relationship between the evolution of physics textbooks and the frontiers of science#br#

CHANG Jiayi1 , CAO Qinghong1, LIU Jia1 , LIU Yandong2, WANG Xiaoping3   

  1. 1. School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China;
    2. School of Physics and Astronomy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China;
    3. School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China

  • Online:2026-08-01 Published:2026-08-28

Abstract: This article explores the intrinsic connection between the evolution of physics textbooks and the frontiers of science, with a focus on analyzing the characteristics of the 19th and 20th centuries and their role in driving the evolution of textbooks. In the 19th century, physics textbooks were in their early stages, primarily focusing on basic theories, with content being relatively concise and not fully addressing cuttingedge research. In the 20th century, the rapid development of physics, including breakthroughs in quantum mechanics, relativity, and other frontiers of physics, led to the swift updating of textbook content. New research findings from emerging fields were gradually incorporated, and with changing educational goals, there was a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary integration and the cultivation of innovative talent. At the same time, innovations in mathematics and information technology in education provided new impetus for the updating of textbook content and format. This article discusses in detail how the frontiers of science drive the updating and structural adjustment of textbooks, and looks ahead to the potential of artificial intelligence in the intelligent and personalized development of textbooks in the future. 


Key words:  , physics textbooks, frontiers of physics, frontiers of science, talent cultivation