Goldstein - CM - chapter guidance?

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    Goldstein Guidance
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the suitability of the book "Goldstein" for understanding concepts in classical mechanics, particularly in relation to statics and dynamics. Participants express uncertainty about which chapters are relevant to their current studies, which include moment of force, particle systems, and static equilibrium.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on which chapters of Goldstein relate to statics and their current studies.
  • Another participant notes that Goldstein is an advanced text and may not cover basic statics adequately.
  • Some participants mention that Goldstein is considered a comprehensive resource for classical mechanics but is aimed at upper undergraduate or graduate levels.
  • There is a suggestion that intermediate level texts may be more appropriate for bridging the gap between high school and advanced mechanics.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the recommendation of Goldstein for a first-year university course focused on applied mechanics.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of basic explanations in Goldstein, particularly for concepts just beyond high school physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Goldstein is a challenging text and may not be suitable for those seeking basic knowledge in statics and dynamics. However, there is no consensus on the specific chapters that would be beneficial for the participant's current studies.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the book's advanced nature and express uncertainty about its alignment with their current curriculum, highlighting a potential mismatch between the recommended text and their level of study.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying classical mechanics at the introductory university level, particularly those seeking resources on statics and dynamics.

Inertigratus
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Not sure if this thread fits here, anyway.
My teacher recommended this book so I decided to check it out. However, I don't really understand what to read from it. We've been doing moment of force, particle systems and static equilibrium so far. This stuff only seems to be in the first "introductory" chapter in the book. There's also chapters about lagrangian- & hamiltonian equations, none of which I've heard of before.
If anyone has knowledge of the book, could you tell me some chapters that are about statics and the things I've been studying?
 
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Inertigratus said:
If anyone has knowledge of the book, could you tell me some chapters that are about statics and the things I've been studying?
Goldstein is a rather advanced book on Classical Mechanics. What are you currently studying and at what level? You won't find much in Goldstein on basic statics. (There are intermediate level books on Classical Mechanics that bridge the gap.)
 
It seems so, my teacher said he used it and that it's like a CM "bible".
Applied mechanics; statics and dynamics. First year at university level.
 
Inertigratus said:
It seems so, my teacher said he used it and that it's like a CM "bible".
Applied mechanics; statics and dynamics. First year at university level.

Ah. Well, it's true that it certainly is THE book for classical mechanics, but it's an upper undergraduate/graduate level text. I'm not sure why your professor recommended you look at it for your course...
 
I see. So it doesn't explain much of the basics of statics and dynamics?
By basics, I mean one level ahead of what's taught in "high school". Vector based physics.
 

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