A good physics book besides Giancoli?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for physics books suitable for a high school student seeking a deeper understanding of physics concepts, particularly alternatives to the Giancoli textbook. The scope includes personal preferences for teaching style, conceptual understanding versus mathematical rigor, and the suitability of various resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with the Giancoli book, preferring explanations over algebraic proofs and memorization of formulas.
  • Another participant suggests that most introductory physics books are similar, recommending "The Feynman Lectures on Physics," Walter Lewin's lectures, and a specific teaching website.
  • A participant finds used copies of the Feynman Lectures appealing but questions the mathematical emphasis and prerequisites needed to understand the material.
  • It is noted that Feynman's approach relies on intuition and philosophy rather than heavy mathematical emphasis, which some participants find appealing.
  • There is curiosity about whether Feynman's books allow readers to derive formulas themselves and whether they effectively convey applicable knowledge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single recommended book, and multiple competing views on teaching styles and preferences for understanding physics remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of comfort with mathematical content and seek resources that align with their learning preferences. There are unresolved questions about the prerequisites for understanding Feynman's work and the balance between conceptual understanding and mathematical rigor.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students interested in physics, educators seeking alternative teaching resources, and individuals looking for conceptual understanding in physics.

Kwally3
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Hey!
I'm a junior in high school who's curious and determined to figure and (and retain the knowledge afterwards) how the world works. I'm enrolled in AP physics (i think it was B) but i don't really like how things are explained in our Giancoli book. By no means is it a bad book but I think he focuses too much emphasis on algebraic proofs than explanations (i don't think memorizing formulas is a good way to understanding physics). So what are your recommendations? I'm taking calculus A right now and am proficient in that course.

is conceptual physics by Hewitt any good? I only have enough money to buy 1 book right now. Thanks for your input.
 
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Most introductory physics books are about the same. Therefore, in my experience, if you do not like one, you do not like any of them.

Try:

The Feynman Lectures on Physics(unfortunately, about $200)

Walter Lewin's Youtube Lectures

and

http://physics.nmt.edu/~raymond/teaching.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Well after a quick amazon search, i found used copies of the 3 volume set running from 60 dollars--paperback though. The reviewers all essentially say it's magical and I'm quite gravitated to buying them. However, how does feynman go about relaying his knowledge (uses extensive algebra? build on the concepts then explain how they are applied in the world?) and what prerequisites would i need to decipher them?
 
Kwally3 said:
Well after a quick amazon search, i found used copies of the 3 volume set running from 60 dollars--paperback though. The reviewers all essentially say it's magical and I'm quite gravitated to buying them. However, how does feynman go about relaying his knowledge (uses extensive algebra? build on the concepts then explain how they are applied in the world?) and what prerequisites would i need to decipher them?

Feynman uses intuition and philosophy, it is not very mathematically emphasized. It would let you "understand" physics.
 
Pinu7 said:
Feynman uses intuition and philosophy. . .

there's philosophy in physics??
I'm now super hyped. Unless no one else suggests anything by this afternoon, I'm going to purchase them.
When you say it's not mathematically emphasized, do you mean he provides you with the knowledge to derive formulas yourself?
And, just to suppress a side thought, it's definitely not one of those books that you have a great time reading but have no idea how
to apply the knowledge afterwards right?
 

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