Good calculus based intro physics text book

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the search for a calculus-based introductory physics textbook that integrates calculus into the majority of its problems, rather than using it superficially. The user expresses dissatisfaction with "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday & Resnick, noting that it primarily employs calculus in definitions and a limited number of problems. A recommended resource is a free online textbook found at Anselm College's website, which appears to align more closely with the user's preference for a deeper mathematical approach in physics problem-solving.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts, including differentiation and integration.
  • Familiarity with basic physics principles such as velocity and acceleration.
  • Ability to solve algebraic equations and apply them to physical problems.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between calculus and physics problem-solving.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the free online physics textbook at Anselm College for calculus-based problems.
  • Research additional calculus-based physics textbooks, such as "University Physics" by Young and Freedman.
  • Investigate online resources or courses that focus on calculus applications in physics.
  • Practice solving physics problems that require calculus techniques, such as those found in "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by Serway and Jewett.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, educators, and anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of physics that effectively incorporates calculus into problem-solving. It is particularly useful for those transitioning from algebra-based to calculus-based physics courses.

farleyknight
Messages
143
Reaction score
0
I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but I'd like to know: What's a good physics text that uses calculus? I mean, not just uses calculus in the definitions of velocity and acceleration and whatnot, but uses it in almost all the problems? I find my current text, "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday & Resnick uses calculus only in definitions and a handful of problems. I thought calculus had a very deep relationship w/ physics, but I'm finding the ideas only have a cursory relationship, and that you could almost skirt around this issue if you use the discrete difference definitions. Suffice to say, most of the problems in the textbook are just practices in algebra. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Delphi51 said:

Thank you for the recommendation. Just took a quick peek and it seems closer to the math style that I like, i.e. giving equations and their justifications, along with some side remarks, in lock-step.

The problems I can't quite comment on, as they were a bit long, so I didn't get a chance to read through them, although I will.. I guess my main beef with the book I mentioned in the OP was that most of the values in the problems were constants or very simple linear functions. Only a few problems used functions which we needed mechanics of calculus to actually solve the questions, which, if I'm not mistaken, is where much of "real physics" is at, correct?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
7K
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
12K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K