Best Physics Textbook for Pre-Calc/Calc Students

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable physics textbooks for students preparing for pre-calculus and calculus. Participants share recommendations and considerations regarding the complexity and accessibility of various texts, particularly the Feynman Lectures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about a specific textbook due to mixed reviews and their upcoming pre-calc studies.
  • Another suggests the Feynman Lectures as a potentially valuable resource, though acknowledges that some chapters may be too advanced.
  • A request for specific recommendations on which Feynman Lectures book to read is made, indicating a willingness to invest in quality resources.
  • Links to various volumes of the Feynman Lectures are provided, along with a note that they are intended for college freshmen, which may pose challenges for high school students.
  • One participant mentions a specific volume of the Feynman Lectures that is easier to understand and requires less prior knowledge.
  • There is a suggestion to consider algebra-based physics textbooks for a more accessible introduction to physics concepts.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the Feynman Lectures can introduce calculus concepts in a generalized manner, suggesting that students with a background in trigonometry and algebra may find them manageable.
  • Another participant humorously asserts that enjoyment of the Feynman Lectures is contingent on a genuine interest in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the suitability of the Feynman Lectures for high school students, with some believing they can be accessible while others caution about their complexity. No consensus is reached on the best textbook for pre-calc and calc students.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential challenges of understanding the Feynman Lectures without sufficient mathematical background, highlighting the importance of prior knowledge in trigonometry and algebra.

jbmiller
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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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Have you thought about reading the Feynman lectures?? Some chapters are probably way too advanced. But generally, the Feynman lectures are a great read!
 
Which Feynman's lectures book would you recommend?

Could you give me a link from Amazon, and I'm not that worried about cost.
 
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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.
 
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.
 
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
 

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