Concise introductory physics texts

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding concise introductory physics textbooks that meet specific criteria, including being calculus-based, having partial solutions, and covering a range of topics from classical mechanics to quantum mechanics. The focus is on identifying suitable titles that are not overly lengthy or cluttered.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a concise physics textbook, ideally under 500 pages, that is calculus-based and includes partial solutions, while covering a broad range of topics.
  • Another participant recommends "Young & Freedman - University Physics," noting it is comprehensive and emphasizes the use of calculus throughout, although it may not meet the conciseness criterion.
  • A further clarification suggests that calculus should be integrated fluidly into the text, rather than being an afterthought, which may justify a more detailed book.
  • A participant shares a link to a Springer book that meets some criteria but lacks partial answers, indicating a desire for a similar text that includes calculus.
  • Another suggestion is "Understanding Physics" by Mansfield and Sullivan, which is calculus-based and has numerical answers, but is slightly longer than the desired page limit.
  • One participant expresses approval of the "Understanding Physics" suggestion, indicating it aligns well with their needs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of conciseness and calculus integration in the textbook recommendations, but there is no consensus on a single title that meets all the specified criteria.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions may not fully align with the original request for conciseness, and there are varying interpretations of what constitutes an ideal calculus-based textbook.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in introductory physics, particularly those seeking concise and calculus-based resources for self-study or teaching purposes.

UncelDolan
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I am looking for a title on introductory physics meeting criteria that are seldom met these days.

  • Concise, ideally 500 pages or less
  • Not cluttered with lots of extraneous boxes and such. (This ties into the first criterion.)
  • Has at least partial solutions in the back
  • Calculus-based but not exceedingly formal
  • In addition to the standard Galileo / Newton fare, covers electricity and magnetism, some physical chemistry, relativity, quantum mechanics.

The only criteria that are non-negotiable for my purposes are conciseness and the use of some calculus. Everything else can in principle be sacrificed. Unfortunately, textbook authors seem to be paid per page anymore. That is why this search is not easy. All suggestions meeting these criteria are welcome.
 
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If you are decided on a calculus-based book, I strongly recommend a comprehensive textbook that won't skimp on detail. This one that I usually recommend comes in 3 parts or a single huge volume:

Young & Freedman - University Physics Vol 1
... Volume 2
... Volume 3

Since you'll be using calculus, using it on many topics can only help you become very good at it.

To see what topics it includes, use Look Inside on volume 2.
 
Hmm, I think I should qualify my suggestion. Calculus-based books must use calculus like a language, the math must flow like words. It can't be tacked on. This is why I chose to recommend a comprehensive book, with as it happens a ton of content. It isn't concise, but you don't have to read everything, and it is always there to go back to later. And every page (almost) will have calculus on it. This is what you want, I think.
 
This might help a bit:

http://www.springer.com/physics/book/978-0-387-79079-4

What I want is something almost exactly like this, except with partial answers to exercises and some calculus. In this one, lots of deltas are used instead.

Notice that you can download the ToC from Springer's website there.
 
How about Mansfield and Sullivan's Understanding Physics?
http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP001906.html
~600 pages, numerical answers in the back, calculus-based.
 
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That looks real good.
 

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