Best Physics Books for Self-Teaching: From High School to Quantum Mechanics

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For high school students looking to self-study physics, "University Physics" by Sears and Zemansky is recommended for its comprehensive coverage of elementary physics concepts, including vectors, motion, and kinematics. While it is not strictly calculus-based, it demonstrates how calculus applies to various topics. The book is part of a three-volume set that covers the Canadian pre-university physics curriculum, including advanced concepts like black holes. Alternatively, "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday and Resnick is suggested for those seeking a more calculus-focused approach. The discussion emphasizes the importance of choosing a book that aligns with the student's current mathematical knowledge and future aspirations in physics, including quantum mechanics.
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What would be the best book to teach myself physics? I'm currently a sophomore in high school and am taking trig this year and pre-calc next year. I'm also taking physics honors next year. However, I would like to get a jump on this course and eventually try to move into quantum mechanics on my own. So what would be the best introductory book and then the best book for moving on into more advanced topics?
 
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University Physics by Sears and Zemansky, I found, was quite complete in terms of elementary physics. It is not calculus based, however, it does show how calculus can be applied to the various concepts. The first few chapters revolve around vectors, motion in 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D, as well as kinematics of rotation and Work-Energy.

It comes in a bundle of three books (Or 1 if you get hardcover) which spans the whole of the Canadian pre-university curriculum in physics(Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Wave Motion and Modern Physics). It also reaches out to higher levels of physics (Black holes and their properties are introduced in the second half of book 1.)

Enjoy


-F
 
Also, if the above book does not suit you since it is non-calculus based, then try this: Fundamentals of Physics by Haliday and Resnick.


-F
 
Fragment said:
University Physics by Sears and Zemansky, I found, was quite complete in terms of elementary physics. It is not calculus based, however, it does show how calculus can be applied to the various concepts. The first few chapters revolve around vectors, motion in 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D, as well as kinematics of rotation and Work-Energy.

It comes in a bundle of three books (Or 1 if you get hardcover) which spans the whole of the Canadian pre-university curriculum in physics(Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Wave Motion and Modern Physics). It also reaches out to higher levels of physics (Black holes and their properties are introduced in the second half of book 1.)

Enjoy


-F

The "University Physics" I have is definitely calculus based. Maybe not as rigorous as an upper level mechanics or EM book but calculus based without a doubt.
 

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