Free Classical Physics Lecture Notes

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The forum discussion centers on free classical physics lecture notes, specifically comparing the courses taught by Kip Thorne at Caltech (Physics 136) and by Walter Lewin at MIT (8.01). Thorne's course is noted for its advanced content, including Statistical Thermodynamics, Plasma Physics, and General Relativity, while Lewin's course serves as an introductory class focused on Newtonian Mechanics and Fluid Mechanics. The discussion emphasizes that the choice between these courses depends on the learner's background and educational goals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newtonian Mechanics
  • Familiarity with Statistical Thermodynamics
  • Basic knowledge of Plasma Physics
  • Mathematical proficiency for advanced physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore MIT's OCW course on 8.01 Physics: Classical Mechanics
  • Review Griffiths' textbook for Electromagnetism II
  • Investigate Caltech's Physics 1A course materials
  • Request additional filming of MIT's 8.07 Electromagnetism II course
USEFUL FOR

Students and self-learners in physics, educators seeking advanced course materials, and anyone interested in classical physics applications and resources.

quantum123
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http://www.pma.caltech.edu/Courses/ph136/yr2006/text.html

Ph 136: APPLICATIONS OF CLASSICAL PHYSICS
Academic Year 2004-2005

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Instructor:
Kip Thorne. 154 W. Bridge Annex X4598. Email: <removed by Doc Al>
 
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thank you very much
 
quantum123 said:
http://www.pma.caltech.edu/Courses/ph136/yr2006/text.html

Ph 136: APPLICATIONS OF CLASSICAL PHYSICS
Academic Year 2004-2005

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Instructor:
Kip Thorne. 154 W. Bridge Annex X4598. Email: <removed by Doc Al>

that `s interesting but i think , this http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Physics/8-01Physics-IFall1999/CourseHome/index.htm" is better because it contains video and note lectures by Professor Lewin ...
 
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Huashan said:
that `s interesting but i think , this http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Physics/8-01Physics-IFall1999/CourseHome/index.htm" is better because it contains video and note lectures by Professor Lewin ...

Both are great. But which is "better" depends on your level of preparation and what you want to learn.

Lewin's course is an introductory course ["8.01 is a first-semester freshman physics class in Newtonian Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Kinetic Gas Theory."].

The Caltech analogue is Physics 1A (see http://www.pma.caltech.edu/physicscourses.html ).

The Thorne course (Physics 136) is more advanced course, with higher mathematical requirements,... including major sections in Statistical Thermodynamics, Plasma Physics, and General Relativity.
 
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robphy said:
Both are great. But which is "better" depends on your level of preparation and what you want to learn.

Lewin's course is an introductory course ["8.01 is a first-semester freshman physics class in Newtonian Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Kinetic Gas Theory."].

The Caltech analogue is Physics 1A (see http://www.pma.caltech.edu/physicscourses.html ).

The Thorne course (Physics 136) is more advanced course, with higher mathematical requirements,... including major sections in Statistical Thermodynamics, Plasma Physics, and General Relativity.

YES ..that's right http://qsmile.com/qsimages/8.gif , i think so , it depends on our level...
 
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Speaking of Prof Lewin, I contacted the MIT OCW folks requesting that their 8.07 Electromagnetism II course be filmed and presented as the sequel to Prof Lewin's great 8.02 Electricity and Magnetism course. He probably wouldn't be the instructor but it would be so very helpful for people like me who are pursuing the self-teaching mode of education. One thing I noticed about the 8.07 course is that they use Griffiths for the textbook which, in my opinion, is an excellent text. Maybe, if you would also like to see them offer a second course in Electromagetism, you could send them a request at http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/jsp/feedback.jsp?Referer="

jf
 
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robphy said:
The Thorne course (Physics 136) is more advanced course, with higher mathematical requirements,... including major sections in Statistical Thermodynamics, Plasma Physics, and General Relativity.

Here's the corresponding page for CalTech's undergraduate course sites:

http://www.pma.caltech.edu/Courses/masterIndex.html

Both of these have useful links, but these are no longer maintained or updated; the current page with links to the most recent course offerings is

http://www.pma.caltech.edu/GSR/physicscourses.html
 
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