Difference between University Physics and College Physics (by Young et al)

[dawn_pingpong]

I currently have College Physics by Young/Geller. My friend (who is superb at physics) told me that that book is not good and University Physics by Young/Freedman is a better choice. I would really like to know what is the difference between these 2 books? Should I invest in the Uni Physics book, considering that I already have the other? The context is that I really hope to make it into the national team for Physics Olympiad, or at least get a gold/silver in the National O. I'm currently 10th grade (not in US), and have maybe 1.3 years more to study for the exam (if i can make it to nats in the first place.)

If anyone has any tips for me to study for it, it will be even greatly appreciated:D

(Oh and I also happen to have ebook of Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday/Resnick. I know it's good, but I dislike reading ebooks)

Thank a ton!

 

[Mmm_Pasta]

Introductory calculus-based physics textbooks are more or less the same. Just pick one that suits you. I wouldn't waste money getting another introductory textbook.

 

[eumyang]

I currently have College Physics by Young/Geller. My friend (who is superb at physics) told me that that book is not good and University Physics by Young/Freedman is a better choice. I would really like to know what is the difference between these 2 books?

Introductory calculus-based physics textbooks are more or less the same.

Young's College Physics is not an introductory calculus-based physics book. It is an algebra-based physics book, and that is the difference between the two books. So in a sense, the OP's friend is correct -- Young's University Physics would be the better choice.

 

[jtbell]

I've never used Young/Freedman myself, but it's probably pretty similar to Halliday/Resnick in the topics covered, and in the mathematical and conceptual level.