Good Books on Physics: Suggestions for High School Students

[RobbyClimie]

Good Morning/Afternoon all,

I'm a high school student in search of some good books on physics. Previously I have read "Quantum Enigma" by Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner, it really sparked my interest in physics and I can't get enough. I hope some of you have good suggestions.

Sincerly,
Robby

 

[Sentin3l]

If you know calculus, I recommend The Feynman Lectures on Physics. Otherwise I'd check out his more pop sci books.

 

[SredniVashtar]

"The Flying Circus of Physics", by Jearl Walker.
There is an older version with answers on the back, so that you will not be tempted to read them before trying to think for yourself.

It can be a bit 'advanced' in some parts but it will turn a spark of love for physics into a vivid flame.

 

[R136a1]

Why waste your time on pop-sci books? Why not get your feet wet and do some actually rigorous physics texts? It's way more satisfying. You can start with some things like Halliday and Resnick (be sure to do some calculus in the mean while).

 

[rezeew]

Hello Robby,

It's great to hear that you are interested in physics and have already read a book that sparked your interest. There are so many great books on physics that it can be overwhelming to choose just a few to recommend. However, here are some suggestions that I think would be beneficial for high school students:

1. "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking - This book is a classic and a must-read for anyone interested in physics. It covers a wide range of topics from the big bang to black holes in an easy-to-understand manner.

2. "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene - This book discusses the theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, and string theory in a captivating and engaging way. It also includes illustrations and diagrams to help visualize complex concepts.

3. "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" by Richard Feynman - This book is a collection of anecdotes from the life of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman. It provides a unique perspective on the world of physics and the mind of a brilliant scientist.

4. "The Fabric of the Cosmos" by Brian Greene - Another book by Brian Greene, this one dives into the mysteries of space and time, exploring topics such as the nature of the universe, the multiverse theory, and the search for a theory of everything.

5. "Six Easy Pieces" by Richard Feynman - This book is a collection of lectures given by Feynman to undergraduate students at Caltech. It covers the basics of physics, including atoms, energy, and quantum mechanics, in an accessible and entertaining way.

I hope these suggestions help and that you continue to explore the fascinating world of physics. Happy reading!