High school physics book reccomendation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for high school physics textbooks, specifically focusing on Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism. Participants explore options suitable for a student who will be taking Calculus BC alongside physics, emphasizing the need for a book that balances conceptual understanding with mathematical rigor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for a physics textbook that is accessible yet rigorous enough to prepare for the AP exam.
  • Another participant suggests "University Physics" as a suitable option and questions how a student without prior calculus experience might approach it.
  • A different participant argues that introductory physics courses typically require minimal calculus and that many students take calculus concurrently with their first physics course.
  • One participant expresses a personal struggle with mathematics and emphasizes the importance of building a solid foundation in math before tackling physics problems.
  • There is a suggestion to explore various textbooks in a library to find one that resonates personally with the student.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing views on the necessity of calculus in introductory physics, with some asserting that it is not a major concern while others emphasize the importance of mathematical understanding. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best textbook choice.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of comfort with mathematics, which may influence their textbook recommendations. There is also a mention of personal preferences in learning styles that could affect the choice of textbooks.

khalkash
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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.
 
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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.
 

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