Best High School books for Physics and Mathematics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for high school physics and mathematics textbooks that can enhance understanding and problem-solving skills. Participants share their experiences and suggest various titles based on specific topics in physics and mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists specific physics topics and seeks recommendations for books, mentioning titles like Halliday, Krane, and Feynman Lectures.
  • Another participant suggests Hewitt's Conceptual Physics for conceptual understanding and Asimov's Understanding Physics for its conceptual approach, noting its availability as used copies.
  • Suggestions for mathematics include Allendoerfer and Oakley's Principles of Mathematics and Serge Lang's Basic Mathematics, with a mention of Morris Kline's Calculus for its intuitive approach.
  • A participant expresses difficulty in finding Allendoerfer and Oakley's book in India and emphasizes the need for self-study materials that explain concepts and provide rigorous problem-solving techniques.
  • Additional titles available in India are proposed, including Stewart's Calculus and Jewett and Serway's Physics for Scientists and Engineers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on specific book recommendations, as various titles are suggested, and some participants express challenges in finding certain books. The discussion reflects multiple competing views on the best resources for self-study and concept mastery.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the rarity of certain books in specific regions, which may limit access to recommended titles. There is also mention of varying levels of difficulty among suggested books, indicating that individual preferences and backgrounds may influence choices.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students seeking to strengthen their understanding of physics and mathematics, educators looking for textbook recommendations, and individuals interested in self-study resources in STEM fields.

Dr. Physics
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I am doing my 12th grade and I need physics books that can strengthen my concepts and ability to problem solving.
I have following topics in Physics:
1.Electrostatics.
2.Current Electricity.
3.Magnetic Effects of current and magnetism.
4.Electromagnetic Induction.
5.Alternating Current.
6.Electromagnetic Waves.
7.Optics.
8.Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation.
9.Atoms and Nuclei.
10.Electronic Devices.
11.Communication System.
By my research online I found Halliday,Krane, I.E Irodov, Krotov, Feynman Lectures.
So which one should I buy and also recommend books other than these.
---------------------------------------------
For Mathematics I have Following Topics:
1.Functions.
2.Inverse Trigometry functions.
3.Matrices.
4.Determinant.
5.Deferential Equation and Derivatives.
6.Application of Derivatives.
7.Integrals and Its Application.
8.Vectors.
9.3D Geometry Vectors.
10.Linear Programming.
11.Probability.
By my research online I found T.H Apostal's Calculus, I.A Maron Calculus one variable,Higher Algebra Hall & Knight, Elementary Mathematics by G Dorofeev, Problems In Mathematics by Govorov V, Differential And Integral Calculus by N Piskunov
So which one should I buy and also recommend books other than these.
 
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I think Hewitt's Conceptual Physics is great for the concepts, especially if you work with the end-of-chapter exercises.

Asimov wrote a three volume set called Understanding Physics that is also very good for the conceptual side. It is out of print, but easy to come by used.
 
I've heard good things about Principles of Mathematics by Allendoerfer and Oakley (out of print but may be available used or from the library) and Serge Lang's Basic Mathematics.

I really like Morris Kline's Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach. It's a Dover book, so available at a low price. Also, if you email Dover they will send you a pdf solution manual (covering both odd and even numbered problems) at no extra charge.

Sorry that I can't be of much help on the items you've listed. The Feynman Lectures are wonderful, conceptually speaking, but may or may not be the best choice for improving your problem solving abilities (in the immediate term anyway). Apostol would have been a good bit too advanced for me in high school, but I realize we are all different.
 
thanks guys but Principles of Mathematics by Allendoerfer and Oakley is very rare book and it is difficult to get in India.
I want those books which can be self study at own paced and has good concepts explanation and also some problem solving techniques with rigor problems.
I found this books available in India:
MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Calculus with Early Transcendentals Functions Stewart James
Essential Calculus with Early Transcendentals- Stewart James
Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics-John W. Jewett, Raymond A. Serway
Introductory Physics: Building Understanding-Jerold Touger
Understanding Physics- Karen Cummings, Priscilla W. Laws, Edward F Redish, Patrick J. Cooney
 
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