Good Beginner Text for Physics | Free or Low Cost

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for beginner physics texts that are free or low-cost. Participants explore various subfields of physics and suggest resources based on different levels of prior knowledge and specific interests.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for recommendations for a good beginner physics text, emphasizing the need for affordability.
  • Another participant highlights the diversity within physics, suggesting that the choice of text may depend on specific subfields such as high energy particle physics, classical mechanics, or quantum physics.
  • A participant expresses a personal interest in relativity, indicating a preference for that area of study.
  • One suggestion for a textbook is Young and Freedman, although the effectiveness of this recommendation depends on the learner's level.
  • A recommendation is made for P. Hewitt's "Conceptual Physics" for those without a mathematical background, along with suggestions for subsequent texts like Serway, Young, and Ford for general physics.
  • Another participant advises starting with basic physics before tackling relativity and recommends resources like LightandMatter.com and Khan Academy for free or low-cost learning materials.
  • Further suggestions include Freedman's "University Physics" or Resnick's "Fundamentals of Physics" for more advanced learners, along with MIT OCW course-8 lectures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present a variety of recommendations and approaches, indicating that there is no consensus on a single best text. Multiple competing views on the appropriate starting point and resources remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations depend on the learner's prior knowledge and mathematical background, which may not be fully clarified in the discussion. The effectiveness of suggested texts may vary based on individual learning preferences and goals.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking affordable physics learning resources, particularly beginners with varying levels of prior knowledge and specific interests in different physics subfields.

hellfire695
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What is a good text for someone starting off in physics. preferably available for free or low cost
 
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Physics has so many subcategories and disciplines under the name that it would be great for you to specify which ones exactly you prefer?For example, High energy particle physics, classical mechanics, quantum physics? They all are physics but their level of depth and knowledge required to understand them is very different.
 
Ahh well I have a personal tedency toward relativity
 
Without knowing what level you are at, Young and Freedman.
 
If you have no mathematical background (a.k.a no fundamentals of calculus) I would suggest P.Hewitt's conceptual physics as a starter. He also has some online lectures on youtube.
The next step is some good textbook on general physics (e.g Serway, Young, Ford)
If you are advanced you can check Feynmann's lectures on physics
 
Firstly Learn Basic Physics before starting Relativity, you have said you are starting Physics. And if you want almost free then go to LightandMatter.com (for the book) and Khan Academy (for the videos). After that buy Freedman's University Physics or Fundamentals of Physics (Resnick) and watch MIT OCW course-8 Lectures.
 

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