What are some recommended textbooks for teaching myself physics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Excoriate
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics Textbooks
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding suitable textbooks for self-study in physics, specifically in classical mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. The individual seeking recommendations has a limited background in physics but is comfortable with graduate-level mathematical texts. Suggested resources include Feynman's "Lectures on Physics," French's "Newtonian Mechanics," Fowles' "Analytical Mechanics," and Landau & Lifschitz's "Mechanics" for classical mechanics. For electrodynamics, Schwartz's "Principles of Electrodynamics" is recommended, along with Nayfeh & Brussel's "Electricity and Magnetism" for a more accessible introduction. In statistical mechanics, Fermi's thermodynamics book is mentioned, while for quantum mechanics, Shankar and Sakurai are suggested. The individual also inquires about Kubo's "Statistical Physics I & II" for statistical mechanics, indicating a willingness to explore various texts to enhance their understanding.
Excoriate
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
I am looking for some textbooks in order to teach myself physics. My background in this area is rather limited. Many moons ago I did take a Physics C class as a junior in high school but beyond that I haven't really delved much into the subject.

The topics I am interested in are classical mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics. I am the kind of person who is comfortable reading graduate level mathematical texts (with limited prerequisites) who however isn't too comfortable physics.

Thanks in advance,

Excor.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You'll find threads on all those subjects in the "Science Book Discussion" section. My own recs would be:

Feynman, Lectures on Physics

Mechanics: French, Newtonian Mechanics (and also Vibrations and Waves); Fowles, Analytical Mechanics; Landau & Lifschitz, Mechanics

E&M: Scwhartz, Principles of Electrodynamics. Why not start there I think, but at a slightly lower level and with many worked examples: Nayfeh & Brussel, Electricity and Magnetism.

Stat Mech: I have a block. I like Fermi's thermodynamics book.

QM: The https://www.amazon.com/dp/0710099622/?tag=pfamazon01-20 (not the expanded 2nd edition); Shankar; Sakurai.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks I will check a few of those out from the library and see how I do with them. Would something like statistic physics I & II by Kubo be good for stat. mech?
 
By looking around, it seems like Dr. Hassani's books are great for studying "mathematical methods for the physicist/engineer." One is for the beginner physicist [Mathematical Methods: For Students of Physics and Related Fields] and the other is [Mathematical Physics: A Modern Introduction to Its Foundations] for the advanced undergraduate / grad student. I'm a sophomore undergrad and I have taken up the standard calculus sequence (~3sems) and ODEs. I want to self study ahead in mathematics...

Similar threads

Back
Top