Can anyoneone recommend a good self-teaching/review Physics book

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for self-teaching or review physics books suitable for preparing for the AP Physics exam. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding various texts, focusing on clarity of concepts and equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about good self-teaching physics books, mentioning the Feynman Lectures and Six Easy Pieces, but expresses concern over mixed reviews.
  • Another participant suggests Paul G. Hewitt's Conceptual Physics, noting its clarity and suitability for self-teaching, while also mentioning its limitations for advanced study.
  • A different participant recommends Lewis Epstein's Thinking Physics, highlighting its question-based approach to learning concepts.
  • Some participants argue that the Feynman Lectures may not be suitable for beginners, as they can be difficult to follow without prior knowledge of physics.
  • A participant provides a link to a previous thread that may contain additional recommendations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the suitability of the Feynman Lectures for beginners, with some endorsing it and others cautioning against it. There is no consensus on a single recommended book, as various perspectives on different texts are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for clarity in explanations and the balance between conceptual understanding and mathematical rigor, indicating that preferences may vary based on individual learning styles and goals.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for the AP Physics exam, self-learners seeking clear explanations of physics concepts, and those interested in exploring different teaching approaches in physics literature.

JM2107
Can anyoneone recommend a good self-teaching/review Physics book. I've read reviews on several books such as Six Easy Pieces: Essentials of Physics Explained by Its Most Brilliant Teacher (Helix Book) and Feynman Lectures On Physics (3 Volume Set)
who have generally revieved rave reviews. But as of late these particular books have been receiving mixed reviews by readers. I am looking for a book that clearly defines and explains concepts and equations... The reason that I am asking you all for your advice is mainly for the reason that I took Physics last school year in 11th grade and I would like to take the AP Physics exam in my senior year without taking an AP physics course. I am sort of looking for a book that is a mix between a physics textbook and the Princeton Review AP Physics review book.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
 
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There's a thread just like this somewhere. If you take the time to look you'll be rewarded w/ plenty of good suggestions. I remember one poster came up w/ a free online textbook you can just download and print. I always recommend Paul G. Hewitt's Conceptual Physics, it comes in both high school(mostly concept based) and college versions (concepts and IMO plenty of math for a HS exam). It's not going to get you a PhD but it's really good if you're trying to teach yourself, very clear explanations IMO.

Another good one for concepts that I liked was Lewis Epstein's Thinking Physics which teaches the best way I know, by asking questions 1st. Why not just take the course? Good luck.
 
Feynman Lectures!
 
Originally posted by arcnets
Feynman Lectures!

Not for someone who wants to learn the subject. Those are good for those who already know physics since they are exceptionally hard to follow from an intro standpoint - even from an advanced standpoint sometimes.

Pete
 

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