What is Textbook: Definition and 998 Discussions

A textbook is a book containing a comprehensive compilation of content in a branch of study with the intention of explaining it. Textbook are produced to meet the needs of educators, usually at educational institutions. Schoolbooks are textbooks and other books used in schools. Today, many textbooks are published in both print and digital formats.

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  1. R

    Anyone mention good electronics textbook

    i have been looking for an electronics textbook for a while.i am an undergraduate student. already tried the popular millman & halkias.it stinks.can anyone mention the names of some "readable" textbooks?my syllabus covers topics like FET,multistage amplifier,oscillators, OPAMP,combinational &...
  2. D

    Introductory Astrophysics Textbook Recommendations?

    Can anyone recommend an introductory general Astrophysics text for a senior physics undergrad? I'm looking for something that has at least a moderate amount of mathematical examples, and is heavy on exposition (even ad nauseum). I like textbooks that include some history of the subject, for...
  3. D

    Simple integral, textbook seems wrong

    Homework Statement Find the equation of the curve for which the slope is (ln x)^2/x and passes through P(1, 2) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Integrate (ln x)^2 = 1/2 Integral( ((ln x)^2) 2/x dx) I get: 1/2 [((ln x)^3/3) + C] Then solving for C, I get C=2...
  4. russ_watters

    Astronomy Textbook for a Christmas Present

    My dad wants an astronomy textbook for Christmas. He's always been at least somewhat interested in the subject and he also wants to be conversant with me on the subject. My high school astronomy class was a mixture of history, light math/theory, and general factoids about -- stuff. I don't...
  5. T

    I don't understand an assumption the textbook made ?

    Homework Statement It comes from example 3.2 in griffith's 3rd edition electrodynamics book A point charge q is situated a distance a from the center of a grounded conducting sphere of radius R. Find the potential outside the sphere. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I...
  6. D

    Is the textbook wrong or am I?

    Homework Statement A vertical spring (ignore its mass), whose spring constant is 875 N/m is attached to a table and is compressed down by .160 m. (a) What upward speed can it give to a .380 kg ball when released? Homework Equations Conservation of Energy using 1/2 k x^2 for...
  7. R

    Real and Complex Analysis Textbook

    I'm currently looking for a textbook on Real and Complex Analysis. I currently own both Rudin's and Shilov's, and I'm interested to know if there are any more with that scope of topics. In English, please.
  8. V

    Concise and complete textbook on non-relativistic QM

    I've searched high and low for a terse (yet complete) introduction to the foundations of non-relativistic QM. Shankar is unparalleled in terms of completeness, yet it is infuriatingly verbose. Landau's presentation is a bit dated and difficult to follow in many instances. It is also not as...
  9. P

    Recommend a textbook about differential equations

    Can someone recommend a textbook about differential equations? I am going to study it by myself, so I need a good textbook! Thanks!
  10. K

    Textbook talks about Planck time

    A section in my textbook talks about Planck time, but I still don't quite get what does it mean after I finished reading it. I am also wondering whcih laws of physics can be applied to the Planck time. Some info that might be helpful for answering this question: tp=√(Gh/c^5) where G is the...
  11. J

    Should I Do Every Exercise in Apostol's Calculus Book?

    I am currently working through Apostol's Calculus book. Is it recommended that I work through each and every exercise in each section, or at least in the very important sections, so that I gain a more thorough understanding?
  12. N

    Is my textbook wrong (acceleration problem)

    My textbook, University Physics 12th ed, claims that the sign of x-acceleration does not tell you whether a body is speeding up or slowing down. It claims that the body is speeding up only when the velocity and acceleration have the same sign. Likewise, it claims that a body is slowing down...
  13. W

    Is Mark Srednicki's QFT Textbook Worth the Download?

    According to the https://www.amazon.com/review/product/0521864496/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1"&tag=pfamazon01-20 on Amazon, it's pretty good. Download it http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~mark/qft.html".
  14. Cyrus

    One of the best textbook questions I have ever seen

    I though that was a great question for a textbook that forces people to learn how to communicate effectively.
  15. J

    Partial derivatives - textbook error?

    Now in my textbook it shows the following partial derivative solution: \frac{d}{dx}(3y^{4} + e^{x} sin y) = e^{x} sin y I thought since it's meant to be the partial derivative in terms of x that the y variable would be untouched. What's happening?
  16. nicksauce

    Can anyone recommend such a textbook (Vector Calc)

    I would like an advanced calculus that covers the following -A bit on vectors -A bit on functions of several variables, Chain Rule -Vector valued functions and things like Curvature, and Binormal vector etc. -Multi-var Taylor's Theorem -If possible, A bit on differentiation under the...
  17. M

    Balls and bins problem from 'introduction to algorithms' textbook

    Hi Everyone, I've been trying to do the following problem, which is exercise 5.4-2 in "Introduction to Algorithms 2ED" textbook by Cormen/Leiserson/Rivest/Stein. It's not starred, so should be fairly easy, but I just can't come up with a closed form solution! The problem is: Suppose that...
  18. L

    Recommended Textbooks for Complex Analysis?

    Can anyone suggest a good textbook for complex analysis? My course is using the Churchill & Brown text as a reference book, but I've heard the book is lacking in rigor and proofs. Are there any other texts that are written clearly, but with a more rigorous treatment on the subject. Preferably...
  19. L

    Textbook recommendation for multivariate calculus?

    I am currently studying multivariate calculus, and quite frankly, I'm not doing well. I am currently using Thomas' Calculus, 11/e media upgrade by Pearson. I don't like this book. The text is 75% theory and 25% simple examples, too few exercise problems, and the explanation is just too difficult...
  20. J

    Question about my Chemistry textbook

    Okay, I just bought a new Chemistry textbook a week or two weeks ago (it's called Chemistry - Eighth Edition by Whitten, Davis, Peck and Stanley). Also, at the beginning of the textbook, it says: "Chemistry - eighth edition, is intended for use in the introductory chemistry course taken by...
  21. I

    Differential equations, I can't understand a textbook example.

    Homework Statement Find the recurrence relation and the general term for the solution: y'' - xy' - y = 0 xo=1 Homework Equations y= sum (n=0 to infinity) an (x-1)^n The Attempt at a Solution i get: y= sum (n=0 to infinity) an x^n y'= sum (n=0 to infinity) (n+1)an+1...
  22. I

    SPP at plane interfaces, dispersion curve. confused by textbook?

    the link below should take you to a google book called "principles of nano-optics" by novotny and hecht. my question is on the dispersion curve plot they have on page 388/389 figure 12.5 and 12.6. it is describing the surface plasmon polaritons. the part i don't get is this excerpt which can...
  23. mheslep

    Systems Engineering Best Textbook?

    I am looking for some textbook recommendations in Systems Engineering: decision support, modeling, mathematical riqor. I've been asking around and apparently...
  24. P

    Mathematica Recommendation of a textbook about methods of mathematical physics

    Could someone recommend a good textbook on methods of mathematical physics? Thanks!
  25. B

    Studying What do Professors recommend for Full textbook study?

    Hi, I guess this is a question that is directed more towards any of the Professors here at the forums, although anyone with advice is more than welcome to. I always wondered why Professors would only cover certain chapters from the textbook. Although I know that time is one of the limiting...
  26. D

    Best Quantum Mechanics Textbook for College Freshman?

    I was wondering what the equivalent of "Halliday and Resnick" was for Quantum Mechanics. Truthfully, I don't have much experience with quantum mechanics, apart from - Construction of the Schrodinger Equation (in one dimension, but extending to 3 shouldn't be that difficult... just change the...
  27. L

    Semiconductor Physics and Devices Textbook

    Hey everyone, I'm wondering if anyone out there could recommend a great intermediate textbook for studying Semiconductor Physics and Semiconductor Devices (PN junctions, BJTs, etc.). Right now I'm using a textbook by Neaman, which is alright but not great. I've asked people the same...
  28. P

    Find the Best "Modern Physics" Textbook for Sophomore-Junior Physics

    Does anybody know of a good "Modern Physics" textbook, to be used for a sophomore-junior Physics course in Modern Physics? I had once used Krane's "Elementary Modern Physics" (long time ago) but it was not a real textbook. I have seen he has a new edition of "Modern Physics", I don't know...
  29. S

    Looking for a Beginner-Friendly Linear Algebra Textbook?

    Hello, As I would like to learn Linear Algebra, it would be awesome if you guys could introduce me to a good LinAlg text for my level. I do have knowledge of Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations; although I have forgotten some [read:most] of the Diffi-Eq, my Multivariable is...
  30. B

    Recommendations for Undergraduate Quantum Mechanics Textbooks

    can anybody recommend a textbook for someone with a lay interest in quantum mechanics? for some idea of my background I am an undergraduate mechanical engineer with a good physics a-level so i have some idea of what's going on. i'd like to expand on what I've learned from magazines etc but i...
  31. M

    Best physics textbook for basic university physics

    Hello everyone I was searching around and am interested in finding the best university physics textbook for a university level beginning physics course. We are using University Physics 12th edition by Young and Freedman but the explanations are somewhat lacking- the problems are more...
  32. B

    Studying Best Linear Algebra Textbooks for Self-Study: Recommendations and Reviews

    I'm taking a first course in linear algebra, and my textbook very bad and the professor cannot teach. I need another textbook to help me self-study for this course that I am taking right now. I looked around Amazon and found that Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction, by David Poole has good...
  33. DocZaius

    Question about a figure in relativity textbook

    Figure 2-4 in "Spacetime Physics" by Taylor & Wheeler The figure illustrates the effects of free float on the perceived trajectory of a ball thrown in a room that is on a ledge and then in a room that is sawed free from the ledge. In both cases, the ball is launched at the same speed and...
  34. V

    Textbook not clear explain this question(s)

    [SOLVED] Textbook not clear... please help explain this question(s)... Question 1. Homework Statement State whether the limit exists for (Limit as x aproaches infinity ==> (n+1)/(n+1) and give the value of it if it does exist. Graph the first 5 terms of each sequence.The Attempt at a...
  35. D

    Recommendation for textbook on number theory

    So I'm in a number theory course this semester but we aren't using a textbook (the professor gave the explanation that they'd never found a textbook that does exactly what they wanted or something, but it seems from my investigations that our course follows a pretty standard introduction)...
  36. W

    Finding a Textbook for General Relativity and String Theory

    Hi All, I know virtually nothing about General Relativity except that which is shown on the usual PBS channels and would like to delve into it in more depth. My level of understanding physics is at the upper undergraduate to lower graduate level. Could someone recommend a textbook for me...
  37. E

    Studying Recommendation of textbook for self-study of thermodynamics

    I want to know what book to use to self-study thermodynamics. I am preparing for the physics GRE. I have Reif and I read through the first 3 chapters. It is not the most amazing exposition I have ever read, but I think the problem is that I just have to get used to all of the hand-waving type...
  38. M

    Help Needed: Supplementing My Mathematical Analysis Course

    Cheers, my dear friends of the physicsforums community! I'm taking a course in mathematical analysis, and it's really giving me something of a headache. To be honest I find the assigned textbook very difficult to read, and I was hoping someone here could give me some suggestions for a...
  39. C

    Good Algebra Textbook: Basic to Graduate Level

    Can anyone recommend me a good algebra textbook that starts out quite basic and goes up to graduate level? I'm familiar with the following topics: Elementary group theory e.g. normal subgroups and quotient groups, isomorphism theorems, group actions. Elementary ring theory, e.g. ideals...
  40. J

    How to read a biology textbook?

    Reading a biology textbook is obviously different than reading a math textbook. I tend to have to re-read the chapters in my biology text quite frequently. This is very time consuming considering that I am taking 23 credits this semester. So I was wondering if there are any techniques that one...
  41. F

    Modern Physics Textbook with Thought-Provoking Problems & Visual Explanations

    I am taking a course on modern physics, and I want to get a textbook to help me out because nothing my teacher has given my class to work with has problems. They're all explanations that aren't even all that helpful (not many graphs/pictures, just words). I'm sick of it because I have nothing to...
  42. P

    Recommended intro to differential equations textbook

    Hey, Does anyone have a recommendation for a good intro to differential equations? The book I'm using now (Guterman & Nitecki) is pretty bad. I'm looking for lots of examples, practice problems, and hopefully answers. Thanks!
  43. P

    Modern Physics Textbook Suggestions

    Hey, I was looking for some Modern Physics textbook suggestions. While searching through the forms I found some excellent Modern Physics reference book suggestions, like some by A.P. French and the sort. What I am asking for though are actual textbooks on Modern Physics (which at my...
  44. mbrmbrg

    Thermodynamics Textbook (English)

    Hi, the physics department at my (undergrad) college is looking around for a good Thermodynamics book for next semester. So far, the best thing they found (and it sounds really good) is in Romanian. So... does anybody know if FIZICA FENOMENELOR TERMICE by C.N. PLĂVIŢU is available in...
  45. mbrmbrg

    Thermodynamics Textbook (English)

    Hi, the physics department at my (undergrad) college is looking around for a good Thermodynamics book for next semester. So far, the best thing they found (and it sounds really good) is in Romanian. So... does anybody know if FIZICA FENOMENELOR TERMICE by C.N. PLĂVIŢU is available in...
  46. B

    How can I get a list of all answers in textbook?

    Hi, I was wondering if anyone know of a method in which a student can obtain the list of all answers to every question in the course textbook. What I noticed about my Chemistry textbook is that they offer only answers to the odd numbered questions (which is the questions my professor...
  47. D

    Can anyone recommend a good textbook for Analytical Mechanics

    I am currently taking the second semester of a 2 semester course in Mechanics. We are using the book, Analytical Mechanics by Fowles and Cassiday. This book is okay, but I'd really like to find a used secondary mechanics book with more explanations and problems to solve. Can anyone recommend...
  48. F

    Textbook on Planetary Formation/Gas Giants

    Hi there, I'm kinda new here, I did a search for similar things and couldn't get anything concrete. I'm starting my Undergrad Project in January, and its on Gas Giant Formation. It involves running lots of code to see how particles in an accretion disk apply themselves to a previously...
  49. M

    Recommendation on good Analysis textbook to supplement class

    Just a quick question for those who have had plenty of exposure to Analysis. Currently, I'm in an Analysis class. We are using Arthur Mattuck's "Introduction to Analysis" textbook. While I think it's a good book and I enjoy the class, I can't help to think that the teacher is watering down...
  50. R

    Physics Textbook for Undergrads

    Hello, The current coursepack that was recommended by our professor just isn't cutting it. It explains the basic concepts of general physics very well (up to nuclear fission/reactions). However, it does not do a very good job explaining the mathematic problems in physics. I am looking for...
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