Six textbook mistakes in computational physics

This article discusses several erroneous claims which appear in textbooks on numerical methods and computational physics. These are not typos or mistakes an individual author has made, but widespread misconceptions. In an attempt to stop these issues from further propagating, we discuss them here, along with some background comments. In each case, we also provide a correction, which is aimed at summarizing material that is known to experts but is frequently mishandled in the introductory literature. To make the mistakes and corrections easy to understand, we bring up specific examples drawn from elementary physics and math. We also take this opportunity to provide pointers to the specialist literature for readers who wish to delve into a given topic in more detail. (C) 2021 American Association of Physics Teachers.

Automated summary

This article discusses various erroneous claims in textbooks on numerical methods and computational physics. The authors aim to correct these widespread misconceptions by providing background comments and specific examples drawn from elementary physics and math. Additionally, they offer pointers to the specialist literature for readers who wish to explore specific topics in more detail.