Calculus-Based Physics A Free Physics Textbook by Jeffrey W. Schnick

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for suitable calculus-based physics textbooks, particularly alternatives to the commonly used "Tipler's Physics for Scientists and Engineers." Participants share their experiences with various texts, express preferences, and seek recommendations for resources that may better suit their learning needs.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express difficulty with "Tipler's Physics for Scientists and Engineers" and seek alternatives that are easier to understand.
  • Several participants mention "Giancoli's Physics 6th edition" as a textbook used by their professor, although there is a claim that it is algebra-based rather than calculus-based.
  • Ben Crowell's "Simple Nature" is recommended as a free, calculus-based textbook, though some participants have differing opinions on its comprehensiveness.
  • One participant notes that older versions of Serway's textbooks are preferable, citing issues with symbols and units when transitioning between texts.
  • Concerns are raised about the complexity of topics such as rotation, oscillation, and electricity and magnetism, with some participants sharing personal experiences of struggling with these areas.
  • A participant requests recommendations for free textbooks that include exercises after each chapter for additional practice.
  • Another participant mentions that they found "Resnick" to be a wonderful text, indicating a positive experience with that resource.
  • There is a mention of "Mechanics of Materials" by R.C. Hibbeler as a useful resource for engineering students, particularly for those struggling with strength of materials.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express dissatisfaction with certain textbooks while recommending alternatives, but there is no consensus on a single preferred textbook. Multiple competing views on the effectiveness of various resources remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of practice problems in textbooks, indicating that many free resources lack exercises. There is also mention of varying levels of complexity in different textbooks, which may affect their suitability for different learners.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students seeking recommendations for calculus-based physics textbooks, particularly those who are struggling with existing resources or looking for free alternatives.

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Hello everyone. I registered here because I am having difficulty with my physics book. My class required us to purchase Tiplers Physics for scientists and engineers. However I find the book very confusing and difficult to follow. While I am sure it is a good book it just isn't the one for me.

I came across Jeffrey Schnicks free ebook and was wondering if anyone has used the book and what they thought of it. Also are there any physics books you would recommend for someone who has just started a college calculus based physics class. Thank you for your time.
 
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Yeah, I'm also looking for a good calculus-based physics book. I'm starting Physics I next semester and the professor, though he doesn't state its necessary to HAVE the book, will be using Giancoli's Physics 6th edition. I searched here around the forum and many others state Halliday and Resnick's book. There's a free eTextbook by Christoph Schiller, Motion Mountain, which unforunately, doesn't look calculus-based but so far seems like a good read.
 
Ben Crowell has authored several books, which he makes available for free: http://www.lightandmatter.com/. His book "Simple Nature" is calculus based.

Edit: I posted the above in case someone's looking for a free textbook. If that's not an issue, then there are many good intro textbooks available.
 
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Most of the books with Serway as an author I like. The older versions are very nice imo but the symbols have changed a bit. Symbols and units can be a real problem for some folks skipping from text to text. We don't have enough letters in our alphabet and the Greek symbols are pretty much used up. The number of different hand rules presented for various fields ideas is also quite extensive and confusing.

Condensing what I have seen in Mechanics, students on the whole have the most problems in the following areas:
1. Rotation
2. Oscillation

In electricty and magnetism I guess you can name it. Static electricity is not so bad until Guauss' Law. Circuits are not so bad until RC, RL, RLC circuits. Maxwells stuff built on Faraday and others takes patience. Field theory is not terribly intuitive imo. So far all you people having trouble in this section, it takes time and I feel your pain as I was not trained in Physics. This is coming from a molecular biology, biochemistry guy who is always learning Physics. Some people who understand Physics extraordinarily well are sometimes the worst at explaining it because they may have a great deal of difficulty understanding what you do not understand. Hang tough. The more people you talk to and listen to (along with practice, practice, practice) the more beautiful Physics becomes. On the Classical level it is so much "cleaner" than Biology and Chemistry.
 
Oh yes.

And since I have found this site I like reading the questions and discussion that I think I have a feel for and then gather new ways of looking at what I thought I understood. And of course spending more time on things I am a bit shaky on. I like this site. There are varying degrees of difficulty with people that seem very nice about explaining things.
 
exparrot said:
Yeah, I'm also looking for a good calculus-based physics book. I'm starting Physics I next semester and the professor, though he doesn't state its necessary to HAVE the book, will be using Giancoli's Physics 6th edition. I searched here around the forum and many others state Halliday and Resnick's book. There's a free eTextbook by Christoph Schiller, Motion Mountain, which unforunately, doesn't look calculus-based but so far seems like a good read.

Be careful. You seem to be endeavoring in a calculus-based physics class, and Giancoli Physics 6th Edition is quite certainly only algebra-based (I know this, because I am currently in an algebra-based physics class, using this book). I am not very well knowledged in this particular subject, but I know that this is not what you are looking for, albeit it is a good book.
 
Doc Al said:
Ben Crowell has authored several books, which he makes available for free: http://www.lightandmatter.com/. His book "Simple Nature" is calculus based.

Edit: I posted the above in case someone's looking for a free textbook. If that's not an issue, then there are many good intro textbooks available.

I started reading the electricity and magnetism book a year or two ago (can't remember) and I didn't like it, it was too simple compared to even a general physics book, and didn't cover enough topics. Just my two cents.
 
qspeechc said:
I started reading the electricity and magnetism book a year or two ago (can't remember) and I didn't like it, it was too simple compared to even a general physics book, and didn't cover enough topics. Just my two cents.
Make sure you're looking at the book I mentioned, "Simple Nature", which is the one for engineers. His stand alone E&M book is meant for non-engineers.
 
Is there any free book(s) available that has sets of exercises after each chapter? I'm looking for more practice material but most of the free content available online (the books I've found / the classes on iTunes U) only have theory, no practice problems.

I'm glad to have access to all this free content but would really like to be able to practice it!
 
  • #10
i have tipler's too and i hate it. thanks for everyone's opinions!
 
  • #11
I found Resnick to be a wonderful text.
 
  • #12
Well, Maxwells stuff built on Faraday and others takes patience.
 
  • #13
Doc Al said:
Ben Crowell has authored several books, which he makes available for free: http://www.lightandmatter.com/. His book "Simple Nature" is calculus based.

Edit: I posted the above in case someone's looking for a free textbook. If that's not an issue, then there are many good intro textbooks available.

Thank you for providing such a good site
 
  • #14
Hei, help me too. I'm an engineering student having problem wit my strength of material.
 
  • #15
Oyega said:
Hei, help me too. I'm an engineering student having problem wit my strength of material.

I would recommend checking out "Mechanics of Materials" by R.C. Hibbeler...i picked up one of the old second edition ones on amazon for really cheap. It was used of course, but in good condition and the material is all relevant. This book does assume basic calculus, but that's almost necessary for solid mechanics. It explains derivations much better than the required book when I took the class.
 

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