Find the Best First Year Physics Textbook - Calculus Included!

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding a rigorous first-year college physics textbook that incorporates calculus, specifically for AP Physics C, which includes mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Recommended texts include "Kleppner's Mechanics" for mechanics, "Purcell" for electricity and magnetism, and "Halliday and Resnick Fundamentals of Physics" for a comprehensive calculus-based approach. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding derivations rather than rote memorization of formulas, particularly for preparation for the AP Physics C exam.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts and applications in physics.
  • Familiarity with AP Physics C curriculum requirements.
  • Knowledge of mechanics, electricity, and magnetism fundamentals.
  • Ability to analyze and derive physical equations from principles.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Kleppner's Mechanics" for foundational mechanics understanding.
  • Explore "Purcell" for advanced electricity and magnetism topics.
  • Study "Halliday and Resnick Fundamentals of Physics" for comprehensive AP exam preparation.
  • Investigate the differences between various editions of recommended textbooks.
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for AP Physics C, educators seeking effective teaching resources, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of calculus-based physics concepts.

BloodyFrozen
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I've always had problems with learning physics. It's not that I don't like it or can't do the calculations, but rather the memorization of thousands of equations that can easily derived. Of course, memorizing the important ones are necessary, so we don't have to constantly rederive them. So, my question is: What is a rigorous first year college (AP Physics C) leveled physics text WITH the use of calculus?
With mechanics, electricity, magnetism, modern physics.


Thanks.
 
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I didn't know colleges required students to memorize formulas at that level. I don't recall having to memorize formulas at all until my junior year in physics degree. Maybe I was at a crappy college. Or are you talking about the AP physics C test?

As for books, I can definitely say Kleppner's Mechanics is wonderful. Purcell is good for E&M if you have had some E&M before. I don't know of a dedicated modern physics text at that level with calculus.
 
I'm just talking about my school's physics program. It's all memorization. We're given a bunch of fornulas and told to memorize them. I'd just like to have an actual book(s) that give the reader how the result is derived. Regardless, I will be taking the AP Physics C exam, so I would like to be prepared too.

Thanks for those suggestions. If Kleppner is as good as you say, I'll definitely getting them!

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0070350485/ref=aw_d_cr_books

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/cr/1107013607/ref=aw_d_cr_books

Those are the ones (with calculus) right?
 
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Also, is Grffiths any good for electricity and magnetism?
 
Griffiths is for upper-level E&M. If you want rigorous first-year-level stuff, get Purcell.
 
Ok. All of this will also prepare me for the AP exam?
 
Isn't AP physics C purely mechanics? Either way, the standard calculus based physics textbook is Halliday and Resnick Fundamentals of Physics. Get yourself a previous edition like the 6th and that'll cover everything you need for the AP test and includes EM
 
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Sure looks like it. It's probably the best calculus physics book out there, but I mean physics is physics so any book will do as long as there aren't any glaring deficiencies.
 
  • #10
Alright, thanks.
 

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