Best Physics Textbook for Pre-Calc/Calc Students

[jbmiller]

Hey everyone,

Recently I've been looking for an appropriate physics textbook for this summer. I've come across some textbooks that look pretty good, but have not been able to decide on one.

This is the book that I've been paying the most attention too:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470044721/?tag=pfamazon01-20

I'm not sure its the best for me as it has a couple bad reviews.

I will be in pre-calc next year along with physics, I'm taking Alg II over the summer. Also, I will be learning some pre-calc/calc this summer from a friend. So I don't want a book with too much calc.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[micromass]

Have you thought about reading the Feynman lectures?? Some chapters are probably way too advanced. But generally, the Feynman lectures are a great read!

 

[jbmiller]

Which Feynman's lectures book would you recommend?

Could you give me a link from Amazon, and I'm not that worried about cost.

 

[micromass]

This is the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465023827/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Typically, the Feynman lectures consist out of 3 books. They are pretty "cheap" if you buy them separately:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465024939/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465024947/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465025013/?tag=pfamazon01-20

The Feynman lectures are originally meant for an audience of freshman physicists in college. So that means that a high school student might not understand all math in the books. So you might have to study some math before you actually understand most of it. If you wish something that you will understand right away, then you can buy

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465025277/?tag=pfamazon01-20

These are 6 chapters of the Feynman lectures which are easiest to understand and doesn't require much prerequisities.

You can also opt for an algebra-based physics textbook. You will understand this at your level. But I got no good suggestions for that.

 

[jbmiller]

Alright, thanks for the replies.

I might as well get them and give them a try, its worth a shot. If I don't understand them I will just get the six-easy-pieces and save the harder ones for next summer, or try them again during my sophomore year.

 

[QuarkCharmer]

The Feynman lectures even teach a generalized idea of any calculus concepts to the reader before he goes on to apply said concepts in physical applications. If you know trig/algebra, I don't think you will have any problem reading through, and understanding (most of) all 3 volumes.

 

[maxtkidd]

If you have no real jeal to learn physics and of course humour- you aren't going to enjoy them. Am I right or am I right!
Really they are masterpieces and must-have for all PHYSICS-LOVERS!
Thanks

_MtK