Books for the theoretical minimum video courses

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for books that align with the theoretical minimum video courses by Leonard Susskind. Participants are exploring suitable texts that would complement the lectures, particularly for someone beginning their journey in physics.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to study physics long-term and seeks book recommendations that relate to Susskind's theoretical minimum courses.
  • Another participant suggests that Kleppner & Kolenkow is a classic text on mechanics and mentions Griffith's book on electrodynamics, noting that both require a solid understanding of calculus.
  • Some participants highlight Susskind's own books in the theoretical minimum series as good starting points for beginners in mechanics and quantum mechanics.
  • There is a concern from one participant that the two Susskind books may not provide enough detail across the various topics covered in the courses.
  • A participant shares their background in mathematics, indicating they have just completed high school with A level math and plan to take a calculus course.
  • One participant inquires about the availability of downloadable videos for the theoretical minimum quantum mechanics course.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of Susskind's books as starting points, but there is no consensus on whether they provide sufficient detail. Additionally, there are differing opinions on the necessity of a solid mathematical background for the recommended texts.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their mathematical preparedness for the recommended books, indicating a potential limitation in their understanding of calculus.

nicklas_m123
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Hi, everyone.

I'm currently taking a gap year, and my plan is to study physics, probably for the rest of my life (With that I mean, reading and learning physics for the rest of my life ;-) )

But I thought why not start now? I kind of have fallen in love with the lectures held by Leonard Susskind, that you can find on the theoretical minimum (http://theoreticalminimum.com/courses).
But the problem is, that I don't know what books I should read that relates to the courses.

Since the lectures are from Stanford University, I thought it might be possible to find the study plans the students followed when the lectures were filmed.
Or maybe you could recommend some books that match each course?
It's just that, it would be nice with a book that is using some of the same examples like in the lectures.

BTW, the book should be a book, you would read when taking a degree in physics at college. Or else I could just have read the book "The theoretical minimum".
 
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What's your background in mathematics?
Kleppner & Kolenkow is a classic book on mechanics. I've heard that Griffith's book on electrodynamics is very good, also. But book of them require you to have a solid understanding of calculus.
 
vanhees71 said:
Susskind has written 2 books in the theoretical-minimum series (mechanics and quantum mechanics), and I think they are great as a starting point.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...m&sprefix=susskind+,aps,214&tag=pfamazon01-20
Yeah, I know. But i really want to immerse myself into physics. And i don't think that two books with a total number of around 800 pages, covering so many different courses, can be that detailed. But yeah, I'm considering to read both of them, as a starting point.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ramzerimar said:
What's your background in mathematics?
Kleppner & Kolenkow is a classic book on mechanics. I've heard that Griffith's book on electrodynamics is very good, also. But book of them require you to have a solid understanding of calculus.

Well, i have just finished high school with A level math, so i don't have the solid understanding yet. But off course it is my intention to take a course in calculus.
But thanks for the recommendations.
 
Does anyone know where I can download the theoretical minimum quantum mechanics videos? I was able to download the classical mechanics video from Itune U.
 

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