The discussion centers on recommendations for books that cover Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, with a focus on self-study approaches and the prerequisites necessary for understanding these topics. Participants share their experiences with various texts and express their concerns about the difficulty of the material.
Participants generally agree on the importance of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics and the need for certain prerequisites. However, there are multiple competing views on which texts are most suitable for beginners and how to approach them effectively. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best starting point for self-study.
Some participants mention the varying levels of difficulty among the recommended texts, indicating that certain books may be more suitable for beginners while others are considered advanced. There is also a recognition of the potential gaps in foundational knowledge among participants.
This discussion may be useful for undergraduate students in physics and mathematics who are interested in self-studying Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, as well as those seeking recommendations for appropriate textbooks and guidance on prerequisites.
What's your level in physics and math? Also note that Goldstein's book contains a serious bug concerning anholonomous constraints!Gopal Mailpalli said:This book should introduce me to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics and slowly teach me how to do problems. I know about Goldstein's Classical Mechanics, but don't know how do I approach the book.
vanhees71 said:What's your level in physics and math? Also note that Goldstein's book contains a serious bug concerning anholonomous constraints!
vanhees71 said:Then you should have the prereqesites for analytical mechanics. A good book is
F. Scheck, Mechanics - From Newton's Laws to Deterministic Chaos, Springer (2010)
vanhees71 said:Then you should have the prereqesites for analytical mechanics. A good book is
F. Scheck, Mechanics - From Newton's Laws to Deterministic Chaos, Springer (2010)
L&L, although at a high level, is surprisingly lucid and easy to read...vanhees71 said:Hm, that's difficult to answer. Usually this book is used in the introductory lecture on classical mechanics of the theory course in Germany. At our university in Frankfurt that's already in the 2nd semester. Perhaps also the corresponding volumes of Greiner's theory-book series is more detailed so that it's easier to get started with. In my own studies the standard text for that purpose was Goldstein. Another very good source is of course Landau-Lifshitz but that's at a higher level than Scheck.
Gopal Mailpalli said:But it's a Graduate Text and quite advanced for beginners. Any suggestion how do i approach this book so that I can grasp well.
Student100 said:You're finishing a degree in physics (and math too I suppose), you aren't a beginner anymore. Or at least, you shouldn't be. You're a year removed from graduate school, graduate level texts shouldn't intimidate you.
What texts did you use for upper division mechanics? Taylor, Marion?
Gopal Mailpalli said:I agree what you said student100. I didn't have quality education in my high school. Am working myself and building up slowly. In my bachelors i didn't have any introduction to Lagrange's or Hamiltonian mechanics. Trying my best to build day by day. I didn't use any of the books above what you mentioned.
Schaum's series is best. also Melvin G. Calkin book on this topic.Gopal Mailpalli said:This book should introduce me to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics and slowly teach me how to do problems. I know about Goldstein's Classical Mechanics, but don't know how do I approach the book.
Gopal Mailpalli said:Am in my final year of bachelors consisting of Mathematics and Physics. I don't have Lagrange's or Hamiltonian Mechanics in my course. I want to do a self study.
If there are any prerequisites before I start L & H. Please mention.