High school physics book reccomendation?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on recommendations for high school physics textbooks suitable for students taking Physics Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism alongside Calculus BC. Participants suggest "University Physics" and "Physics - Halliday Resnick Kane" as excellent resources, emphasizing that these texts are designed for students who may not have a strong calculus background. The consensus is that introductory physics courses utilize minimal calculus, making these books accessible for beginners. Personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the right textbook, and visiting a library to review options is highly recommended.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of high school physics concepts
  • Familiarity with introductory calculus principles
  • Access to physics textbooks such as "University Physics" and "Physics - Halliday Resnick Kane"
  • Willingness to explore multiple resources for personal preference
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "University Physics" by Young and Freedman for comprehensive coverage of mechanics and electromagnetism
  • Explore "Physics - Halliday Resnick Kane" for a different approach to introductory physics concepts
  • Investigate online resources like MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) for supplementary materials
  • Practice foundational calculus concepts to build confidence before tackling physics problems
USEFUL FOR

High school students preparing for AP Physics, educators seeking effective teaching materials, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of physics concepts alongside calculus.

khalkash
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
I have already written a thread about a conceptual physics books, which didn't go so well. Instead, I am just looking for one of the best book to accompany me in Physics Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism. I am in high school and will take Calc BC alongside Physics (pre-calc this year), so my knowledge on calculus based text will be very small in the beginning.

Please recommend me a textbook that is accompanied with problems similar or a bit harder than the rigor of the AP exam. My real goal is to learn and love physics however, so any book that allows me to grasp the concepts easily and allows me to understand the mathematics behind it would be wonderful.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Researching a bit, it seems like University Physics is an excellent book and is also used by OCW MITx which I can follow. How would someone who has never taken calculus(but will take it alongside it) respond to this book?
 
Easily. I think you are too concerned about the mathematics required. For an introductory course in physics you use very little calculus. Unless you are using kleppner and kolenkow's book which actually requires thinking.

The majority of students have never taken calculus before taking a first year university [physics] class. They usually take calculus at the same time. Especially books like University physics, physics - Halliday resnick Kane, all the intro textbooks are basically the same. It's all personal preference.

I suggest you go to a library and look through numerous books and make your decision.
 
I have taken a look at both and have access to both. I must say, I love how both books present themselves. The reason I am so math concentrated is because while I was great at math during elementary school, I have seldom paid attention to math in high school. Now I lack a good foundation in it and get nervous when ever I see a mathematics problem. I am rectifying this problem over the summer by going back to the basics and practicing every concept and then moving on. Thank you for your contribution Jimmyly.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
851
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
9K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
7K