Complementary resources to Feynman Lectures

  • Thread starter Thread starter seba_
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Exercises Physics
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the challenges of self-studying physics using the Feynman Lectures, particularly the difficulty of the exercises after reading the chapters. Participants suggest that the Feynman Lectures are better suited for those with prior knowledge of the material, recommending instead standard introductory textbooks like Halliday and Resnick, Serway, or Giancolli for foundational understanding. It is noted that older editions of these textbooks can be found affordably, and working through problems from these resources is encouraged. Additionally, the two-volume introductory physics books by Shankar are mentioned as valuable supplementary material. Overall, the consensus is that a solid grounding in basic physics concepts is essential before tackling the Feynman Lectures.
seba_
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone!
I've begun teaching myself physics with the Feynman Lectures books. However, I find the exercises so difficult. After reading a chapter, I struggle with how to approach the exercises effectively. I understand that this isn't an easy process, but I feel I need a deeper understanding before starting the exercises. Therefore, I'm seeking additional resources such as books, videos, or courses to supplement my learning.

A few years ago, I completed my engineering degree, so I have a basic understanding of physics, algebra, and calculus.

Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It would be helpful to know how well you understand QM/QFT and for integrals SR. Understanding those aforementioned will be essential to understanding Feymann path Integrals.
 
Mordred said:
Feymann Integrals.
seba_ said:
Feynman Lectures
Not the same thing,

Personally, I would not use the Feynman Lectures to start with. They are great if you alreayd know the material and want to understand it better, but not so great if you are starting from scratch. If you are rusty on the physics you learned in the past, I'd get a standard textbook like Halliday and Resnick and work through that before tackling Feynman.
 
  • Like
Likes STEM_lover, jbergman, Herman Trivilino and 9 others
Sorry misread that my bad lol. Wife distracted me yeah yeah it's all her fault
 
  • Haha
  • Like
Likes SummeryWinter, apostolosdt, Demystifier and 1 other person
Vanadium 50 said:
Not the same thing,

Personally, I would not use the Feynman Lectures to start with. They are great if you alreayd know the material and want to understand it better, but not so great if you are starting from scratch. If you are rusty on the physics you learned in the past, I'd get a standard textbook like Halliday and Resnick and work through that before tackling Feynman.

Thanks! I'll check that book
 
seba_ said:
Thanks! I'll check that book
You do not need the current edition. You can get used older editions on the cheap.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Not the same thing,

Personally, I would not use the Feynman Lectures to start with. They are great if you alreayd know the material and want to understand it better, but not so great if you are starting from scratch. If you are rusty on the physics you learned in the past, I'd get a standard textbook like Halliday and Resnick and work through that before tackling Feynman.
That's also what the Caltech physics department thought in the late 1970's. They used the Berkeley Physics texts for the first year, but often assigned selected HW from the Leighton exercise book that accompanied Feynman.
 
  • Like
Likes apostolosdt
DaveE said:
That's also what the Caltech physics department thought
Just because that''s what Caltech thinks doesn't make it wrong. :wink::wink::wink:
 
  • Haha
Likes DaveE and berkeman
seba_ said:
I've begun teaching myself physics with the Feynman Lectures books.
As others have noted, not a good idea. You can find older editions of other textbooks online or at a library. Read bits of them until you find something that works for you.
 
  • #10
Mister T said:
As others have noted, not a good idea. You can find older editions of other textbooks online or at a library. Read bits of them until you find something that works for you.

Okay, thank you!
 
  • #11
If you already understand physics, try the book by Halliday, Resnick and Krane. It's often used as an honors introductory physics book
 
  • #12
seba_ said:
Hi everyone!
I've begun teaching myself physics with the Feynman Lectures books. However, I find the exercises so difficult. After reading a chapter, I struggle with how to approach the exercises effectively. I understand that this isn't an easy process, but I feel I need a deeper understanding before starting the exercises. Therefore, I'm seeking additional resources such as books, videos, or courses to supplement my learning.

A few years ago, I completed my engineering degree, so I have a basic understanding of physics, algebra, and calculus.

Thanks in advance!
I would work through problems from a general intro based physics book.

Ie., Serway, Giancolli, HR, Freedman etc

and read the two volume Intro physics books by Shankar.
 

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
7K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
16
Views
5K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Back
Top