Classical mechanics reference book

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding alternative reference books for "Classical Mechanics" by Goldstein, particularly for topics such as conservation laws, central forces, collisions, rigid body dynamics, and variational principles. Participants are seeking resources that may be less complex and more accessible for understanding classical mechanics concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests "Classical Mechanics" by John R. Taylor as a potential alternative, noting it could serve as a good supplement to Goldstein, although it may not cover Poisson brackets.
  • Another participant expresses interest in "Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems" by Marion and Thornton, questioning its usefulness compared to Taylor's book and noting it is a standard mechanics text at a lower level than Goldstein.
  • A different participant mentions "Classical Dynamics: A Contemporary Approach" by Jose & Saletan, describing it as being at a level between Goldstein and other texts, while also indicating that the logic can be challenging to follow.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on a single alternative book, with multiple suggestions and varying opinions on their effectiveness and complexity. The discussion remains open with differing views on the suitability of each recommended text.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that certain books may not cover specific topics like Poisson brackets, and there are mentions of varying levels of complexity among the suggested texts. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and preferences regarding classical mechanics literature.

Amar.alchemy
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Hi All,

Kindly suggest me an alternative book for "Classical Mechanics by Goldstein". I am finding it little bit difficult to understand so if i can find any alternate book which is little less complicated than Goldstein it will be helpful for me. I am concentrating on the below mentioned topics and particularly to problems in CM:

Conservation laws; central forces, Kepler problem and planetary motion; collisions and scattering in laboratory and
centre of mass frames; mechanics of system of particles; rigid body dynamics; moment of inertia tensor; noninertial frames and pseudo
forces; variational principle; Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s formalisms; equation of motion, cyclic coordinates, Poisson bracket; periodic
motion, small oscillations, normal modes; special theory of relativity – Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics, mass-energy
equivalence
.

Thanks :smile:
 
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George Jones said:
You might try Classical Mechanics by John R. Taylor,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/189138922X/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

I would second this book. I used the preprint version when I studied classical mechanics and taught from this for an undergraduate classical mechanics class. As a supplement to Goldstein it would be good. I do not think it covers Poisson Brackets, however.
 
Thanks for reply :)
Kindly give ur opinion on "Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems - Marion, Thornton". Does this book serve my purpose which i have mentioned in my first post?? (Becoz i have soft copy of this book, so will it be as helpful as John R Taylor's book?
 
Amar.alchemy said:
Thanks for reply :)
Kindly give ur opinion on "Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems - Marion, Thornton". Does this book serve my purpose which i have mentioned in my first post?? (Becoz i have soft copy of this book, so will it be as helpful as John R Taylor's book?

Marion and Thorton is a standard mechanics book that is a little lower level than Goldstein. If you already have a(n) (illegal?) copy, then you should see if it's useful as a supplement to Goldstein. Poisson brackets are relegated to a single exercise.
 
Thanks George :)
 
A book I'm currently reading is
Classical Dynamics: A Contemporary Approach- Jose & Saletan

This is a book at a level between Goldstein and Marsden or Arnold. This book gives a LOT of physical insight, however, I found that the logic can be hard to follow.
 

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