Best book for classical mechanics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for university-level classical mechanics textbooks. Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the subject and seek guidance on suitable texts for different aspects of classical mechanics, including advanced topics like Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for suggestions on excellent books for classical mechanics, specifying a university level.
  • Several participants seek clarification on what is meant by "advanced" level, with one noting that it is a relative term.
  • Kleppner's "Mechanics" is recommended by some as a starting point for those who have completed introductory physics.
  • Another participant suggests Taylor's "Classical Mechanics" for those interested in advanced topics, particularly Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.
  • Calkin's "Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics" is recommended for those focusing exclusively on Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, though one participant expresses concern about their difficulty with the topic.
  • It is suggested that Taylor's book may be more appropriate for someone just starting to learn Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, as it is considered a second-year mechanics text.
  • Participants express enthusiasm for Taylor's text, noting its conversational tone and comparing it to Griffiths' electrodynamics book.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a single recommended textbook, as participants suggest multiple options based on varying interpretations of "advanced" and individual familiarity with the subject. Recommendations include Kleppner, Taylor, and Calkin, with differing opinions on the appropriateness of each for specific learning stages.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about their own levels of understanding and the specific content they wish to study, which affects the recommendations given. The discussion highlights the subjective nature of what constitutes "advanced" material in classical mechanics.

Who May Find This Useful

Students seeking recommendations for classical mechanics textbooks, particularly those at the university level, and those interested in advanced topics such as Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.

d.3vil
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Guys can u suggest me some excellent books for Classical Mechanics?
Thank u in advance :smile:
 
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Uh, your question is a bit vague. What level of classical mechanics are you looking to learn?
 
WannabeNewton said:
Uh, your question is a bit vague. What level of classical mechanics are you looking to learn?
yeah.. sorry
I am looking for a book of university level... Can u suggest some?
 
d.3vil said:
yeah.. sorry
I am looking for a book of university level... Can u suggest some?
This is still vague to me. Do you mean first year mechanics?
 
Did you ever take a university course on physics before?
 
Start with Kleppnar Mechanics (Newtonian) book if you already done the Introductory Physics.
 
WannabeNewton said:
This is still vague to me. Do you mean first year mechanics?

I have done the introductory physics and i just want some advanced level... And i can't tell u more in detail...
 
Natassha said:
Start with Kleppnar Mechanics (Newtonian) book if you already done the Introductory Physics.
Thank you Natassha
I will try that...
 
micromass said:
Did you ever take a university course on physics before?
I have done my Engineering but didnt graduate in physics. So my answer is No.
Can u suggest some at that level?
 
  • #10
d.3vil said:
I have done the introductory physics and i just want some advanced level... And i can't tell u more in detail...
Advanced is a very relative term. For example one of the other posters suggested Kleppner. This is my most favorite book on mechanics but it is advanced in the sense that the problems can be quite difficult not in the sense that it covers advanced material (except the section on general rigid body motion). If you want a book that for example covers coupled oscillators, non-linear motion and chaos, lagrangian / hamiltonian mechanics, impulse response for e.g. mass-spring systems, and rigid body motion then take a look at Taylor "Classical Mechanics".
 
  • #11
WannabeNewton said:
Advanced is a very relative term. For example one of the other posters suggested Kleppner. This is my most favorite book on mechanics but it is advanced in the sense that the problems can be quite difficult not in the sense that it covers advanced material (except the section on general rigid body motion). If you want a book that for example covers coupled oscillators, non-linear motion and chaos, lagrangian / hamiltonian mechanics, impulse response for e.g. mass-spring systems, and rigid body motion then take a look at Taylor "Classical Mechanics".
U got it right.. I want advanced material especially on lagrangian/hamiltonian mechanics. So I will check Taylor's Classical mechanics. Thank u... :smile:
 
  • #12
d.3vil said:
U got it right.. I want advanced material especially on lagrangian/hamiltonian mechanics. So I will check Taylor's Classical mechanics. Thank u... :smile:
Ok, if you are exclusively interested in Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, then I would more strongly recommend you take a look at Calkin "Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics". He has a nice chapter on the virtual work principle (now if only I can figure out how to use virtual work in General Relativity :wink:)
 
  • #13
WannabeNewton said:
Ok, if you are exclusively interested in Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, then I would more strongly recommend you take a look at Calkin "Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics". He has a nice chapter on the virtual work principle (now if only I can figure out how to use virtual work in General Relativity :wink:)
I find lagrangian/hamiltonian mechanics difficult. So do u recommend that book considering i just started to learn it?
 
  • #14
d.3vil said:
I find lagrangian/hamiltonian mechanics difficult. So do u recommend that book considering i just started to learn it?
Ah no I would say you should go with Taylor first in that case. Look at the material on Lagrangians and Hamtilonians in Taylor's book first. Taylor is meant as a second year mechanics text for physics students and from what I've seen Calkin is usually used after a second year mechanics class.
 
  • #15
WannabeNewton said:
Ah no I would say you should go with Taylor first in that case. Look at the material on Lagrangians and Hamtilonians in Taylor's book first. Taylor is meant as a second year mechanics text for physics students and from what I've seen Calkin is usually used after a second year mechanics class.
Ohh... Ok then i will read Taylor first.
 
  • #16
d.3vil said:
Ohh... Ok then i will read Taylor first.
Good luck and have fun! Taylor is a super awesome text. If you've ever used Griffiths' electrodynamics text, the conversational tone in Taylor's text will be very familiar (I love the conversational texts).
 
  • #17
WannabeNewton said:
Good luck and have fun! Taylor is a super awesome text. If you've ever used Griffiths' electrodynamics text, the conversational tone in Taylor's text will be very familiar (I love the conversational texts).

Thanks... I love Griffiths Electrodynamics book. Someone suggested it to me and i find it really good. Hope Taylor feels the same way. :smile:
 

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