Guidance for preparing for Physics I

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on preparing for a Physics I course, emphasizing essential topics such as Frames of Reference, Equilibrium and Forces, Newton's laws of motion, and Basic Special Relativity. Recommended texts include "Mechanics: Berkeley Physics Course, Vol. 1" by C. Kittel et al. and "Newtonian Mechanics: MIT Introductory Physics Series" by A. P. French. The user seeks concise, effective resources to build foundational knowledge in physics within a 1.5-month timeframe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic mathematical concepts, particularly algebra.
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion.
  • Basic knowledge of forces and motion.
  • Introduction to concepts of relativity.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Classical Mechanics" textbooks for foundational understanding.
  • Explore online lecture notes for Physics I from reputable universities.
  • Study "The Feynman Lectures on Physics" for intuitive explanations.
  • Learn about "Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics" for advanced insights.
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for introductory physics courses, educators seeking teaching resources, and anyone interested in building a solid foundation in classical mechanics and relativity.

bart_simpson
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Hi all, this is my first post here and I would like to congratulate and thank you for your priceless services!

I need help in preparing for Physics I course, any books I should refer to or any lecture notes online. The syllabus is roughly this:

1) Frames of Reference - Inertial Frames, Galilean Transformations, Non-inertial Frames, Rotating Frames, Accelerated Frames.
2) Equilibrium and Forces - Various Forces of Nature, Conservative Forces, Inertial and Non-inertial Forces, Frictional Forces, Central Forces.
3) Inertia and Motion - Newton's laws of motion, Simple Harmonic Oscillator, Inverse Square Law; Conservation Laws: Energy, Linear and Angular Momentum, Collisions.
4) Elementary Dynamics of Rigid Bodies.
5) Newtonian Gravitation.
6) Basic Special Relativity - Lorentz Transformations, Relativistic Dynamics, Momentum and Energy.
7) The Principle of Equivalence.
8) Generalised Coordinates, Principle of Least Action, An Elementary Introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics.

The texts used are:
1) Mechanics: Berkeley Physics Course, Vol. 1, by C. Kittel, W. D. Knight, M. A. Ruderman, C. A. Helmholz, and B. J. Moyer.
2) Newtonian Mechanics: MIT Introductory Physics Series, by A. P. French.


A little about my background: This is my first Physics course (Physics I, apparently), I have no idea whatsoever about Physics, but my math is good and I picked up easily even Abstract Algebra course. I have read this book Relativity Simply Explained by Martin Gardner and that made me curious to learn more Physics, hence I am taking it.

I am looking for a book(s) that prepares me well enough for the Physics I course and the courses to come, basically I need to expand my ideas and knowledge about this field and also I want to prepare for this course.

Kindly suggest me some books and advice to prepare myself better, thanks so much!
 
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One more thing, I have 1.5 months to prepare for Physics I, so I would like some books that prepares me well at the same time are not too thick. Thanks!
 

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