A good physics textbook with clear and concise explanations?

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  • #1
jojoj
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I'm currently in my first year in a physics with med physics degree and I find the textbook we are using not helpful (physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th Edition) by Randall D. Knight). I find the textbook too wordy. So I am looking for a more clear and concise physics textbook any recommendations?
 

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  • #2
Frabjous
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Are you looking for replacement, supplemental or more advanced?

Replacement
Some of the standards
Halliday Resnick
Young Freedman
Serway
There is generally no reason to own different freshman physics books unless you truly hate the one you got
Be aware that there are calculus and noncalculus text versions

Supplement
Feynman Lectures (they are also online)

More advanced
Purcell Electricity and Magnetism
Kleppner and Kolenkow Introduction to Mechanics
 
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  • #3
jojoj
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Are you looking for replacement, supplemental or more advanced?

Replacement
Some of the standards
Halliday Resnick
Young Freedman
Serway
There is generally no reason to own different freshman physics books unless you truly hate the one you got
Be aware that there are calculus and noncalculus text versions

Supplement
Feynman Lectures (they are also online)

More advanced
Purcell Electricity and Magnetism
Kleppner and Kolenkow Introduction to Mechanics

Thank you for the recommendations.
 
  • #4
Frabjous
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Since your prof won’t be drawing problems from them, there is no reason not to go with an older (cheaper) edition.
 
  • #5
vela
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I'm currently in my first year in a physics with med physics degree and I find the textbook we are using not helpful (physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th Edition) by Randall D. Knight). I find the textbook too wordy. So I am looking for a more clear and concise physics textbook any recommendations?
You might try the free OpenStax texts. My students typically don't care for OpenStax, but they liked Knight. So perhaps you'll find OpenStax to your liking.

Any of the standard intro physics books would probably be fine.
 
  • #6
MidgetDwarf
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I'm currently in my first year in a physics with med physics degree and I find the textbook we are using not helpful (physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th Edition) by Randall D. Knight). I find the textbook too wordy. So I am looking for a more clear and concise physics textbook any recommendations?
Alonso and Finn: Fundamental University Physics. The ones that Caz posted are similar in style to the Randall book.

Most introductory physics books made today are so similar, its pointless to own multiples, of what I would call the same book.
 

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