Any good physics books with the maths as well

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for physics books that integrate mathematical concepts with physics content. Participants express varying levels of familiarity with mathematics and seek resources that balance accessibility with depth.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for physics books that include mathematical explanations, preferring them to be not overly complex.
  • Another participant suggests using MIT's OpenCourseWare (OCW) as a resource, specifically mentioning the 18.01 mathematics course as foundational for understanding introductory physics courses.
  • A participant recommends "The Road to Reality" by Penrose, noting that it is aimed at lay readers and includes substantial mathematical content, but may be challenging without a calculus background.
  • Additional recommendations include three specific books and "The Mechanical Universe," with one participant sharing a personal experience of being motivated to return to college after reading Penrose.
  • Concerns are raised about the complexity of "The Road to Reality," with one participant questioning their ability to understand it.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of a solid mathematical foundation, suggesting that without it, engaging with advanced texts like Penrose could be frustrating.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to learning physics with mathematics. There are differing opinions on the accessibility of recommended texts and the necessary mathematical background required.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of prior mathematical knowledge, including calculus and linear algebra, as prerequisites for understanding advanced physics texts. There is also mention of the potential challenges in self-studying these subjects through recommended resources.

KeplerJunior
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I have read a lot of popular science books which have given me good knowledge about physics but none seem to have the maths. I want to know if there's any you can recommend that have the physics and the maths behind the physics. I'd prefer them to not be to complex but if that's not possible i don't mind.
 
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Have you ever used MIT's OCW? I've briefly taken a look at their 18.01 course and throughout C1-C4 of A-Level mathematics, you will cover roughly 3/4 of the material they cover there. 18.01 is a prerequisite for their two introductory physics courses, 8.01 and 8.02. Why not go through 18.01, seeing as it will probably help you for A-Level maths as well, and then try doing 8.01 and 8.02! Actually, you might see *part* of 8.01 in your mechanics modules as well!

I am not suggesting that you neglect your classes at school at all. Make those your priority. If you'd like good grades at A-Level, I suspect that a combination of your classes at school and past exam questions will be better preparation than either course. Nevertheless, I think you will be served well by OCW. All three courses mentioned are on OCW Scholar (basically, it's a special variant of the course that is designed for independent study) as well.
 
I am currently reading (and blogging about) the popular physics book: The Road to Reality - by Penrose.

He claims two things. This is a book for the lay reader and that he is not going to skip the math. I think he accomplishes the second task. If you have taken a calculus series, you will probably get a lot out of this book (be prepared to see a lot of advanced math!)

From what I read in your post, this book seems to be just what you are asking for. It contains a ton of (theoretical) physics, the really deep and interesting kind. He builds up all the math you need for it, which is also very deep and interesting in itself. Don't be put off by it's length; all the chapters are fairly short and that makes it manageable.
 
I'd say Penrose, these three books:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/3642214517/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1461407052/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0964350440/?tag=pfamazon01-20

& the mechanical universe:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mechanical_Universe
http://documentaries-plus.blogspot.com/2010/08/mechanical-universe.html
will turn you into a physicist. It only took the first four chapters of Penrose to convince me to go back to college but had I the other three books things would have been a bit better.
 
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Thanks these are exactly what i''m looking for
 
I took a look at the road to reality in the bookshop today. It looked quite complicated are you sure i'll be able to understand it. The mechanical universe courses look good by the way thanks for showing me them.
 
No way in the world, that's why you buy it.
 
sponsoredwalk said:
No way in the world, that's why you buy it.
:smile: true
 
KeplerJunior said:
I have read a lot of popular science books which have given me good knowledge about physics but none seem to have the maths. I want to know if there's any you can recommend that have the physics and the maths behind the physics. I'd prefer them to not be to complex but if that's not possible i don't mind.

Really, trying to short-cut the normal sequence of learning physics is difficult. Look at the usual undergrad curriculum for physics. Two to three calculus classes and a linear algebra course are required to understand anything in physics past general hand-waving. You don't have to do them all before starting to learn the real basics of physics, but that is what you are looking at if you want to get anywhere.

Penrose will be an exercise in frustration if you don't have this (and more).
 

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