Where can I find good books on physics principles and mechanics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for books on physics principles and mechanics, particularly for individuals who may not have a strong background in calculus and are interested in practical applications related to mechanical engineering, such as car suspension and aerodynamic drag.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for books that explain physics principles and formulas without heavy reliance on calculus, focusing on topics like motion, friction, and load.
  • Another participant recommends Resnick and Halliday as excellent resources for classical physics, suitable for physics and engineering majors.
  • A different participant mentions Serway and Beichner's "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" as a useful text that includes interesting problems and relevant chapters.
  • Additional recommendations include Sears/Zemansky/Young and Giancoli's "Physics for Scientists and Engineers," noted for its diagrams and comprehensive coverage of mechanics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of the recommended texts, but there is no consensus on a single best resource, as different books are suggested based on varying preferences and needs.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations may depend on the reader's familiarity with calculus and specific interests within physics, which are not fully addressed in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in physics, particularly those looking for accessible resources on mechanics and related applications without a strong calculus background.

CarKing
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I am looking for some books about physics. It sounds stupid, but unfortunately I do not have the head of patience for all the calculus in school, and that prevents me from doing much as far as a major in engineering goes. Now it is going to be more of a hobby than anything. However, I need to find some good books explaining principles and ideas and formulas. While I could go to school and purhase a textbook or something, I thought someone here might have something more suited to what I am looking for. I am especially interested in things that relate to car suspension, aerodynamic drag, motion, friction, load, and things that fall in line with that stuff. Mechanical engineering is an area that has always interested me.
 
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Well Resnick and Halliday's are excellent books about classicalphysics, they are used for physics majors and sometimes engineering majors. I was taught with Serway and Beichner Physics for Scientists and Engineers, it had some interesting problem as well as chapters. It contains probably most of what you're interested in.
 
Thank you very much for the fast response! I will check it out on amazon.
 
Welcome to physics forums CarKing! I hope you stay.
 
Apart from Resnick and Halliday, you might want to check out Sears/Zemansky/Young and Physics for Scientists and Engineers Parts I and II (I think) by Douglas Giancoli. If you are interested in mechanics, the latter will give you a good set of diagrams (in fact an excellent set), problems, theory (and of course, formulae if you're looking for them).

Cheers
Vivek
 

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