High school student doing college physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a high school student seeking guidance on how to advance their physics studies, particularly in relation to preparing for the International Physics Olympiad or continuing with advanced undergraduate physics materials. The conversation touches on the necessary mathematical background and resources for both paths.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The student has a background in advanced physics and basic calculus, and is unsure whether to focus on problem-solving skills for the Olympiad or continue with advanced physics texts.
  • Some participants suggest strengthening math skills as a foundation for more complex physics, emphasizing the importance of a solid mathematical background.
  • Various participants recommend specific books for both physics and mathematics, including titles like "Problems in General Physics" by Irodov and "Mathematical Methods for Physical Sciences" by Mary Boas.
  • One participant cautions that the student may not yet have the necessary math skills for advanced physics, suggesting that linear algebra and more calculus are required.
  • There is a suggestion that pursuing the Olympiad may require a significant time commitment and may not be suitable for everyone.
  • Multiple participants provide differing opinions on the appropriateness of certain calculus texts, with some favoring Courant or Apostol over others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement on the importance of math skills while disagreeing on the best approach to studying physics and the suitability of various texts. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the student.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various levels of mathematical knowledge required for different physics topics, but there is no consensus on the exact requirements or the best resources to achieve them. Some suggestions may depend on personal learning styles and interests.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for high school students interested in advanced physics, those preparing for physics competitions, or anyone seeking recommendations for physics and mathematics resources.

narayan.rocks
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I am an high school student starting grade 11 this year . I have been interested in physics since class 6 and i have been studying advanced physics since then . IN grade 9 and 10 i have read and solved problems from Resnick,halliday and walker's book ( which i think is a undergrad book isn't it? ) and i completed it .
I learned calculus( integration , differentiation and solving simple differential equations and nothing more) , trigonometry , higher algebra and geometry side by side with physics .
Now I am in confusion about how to proceed from here . Should i strengthen my problem solving skills and go for the international physics olympiad ( if yes how to prepare for it)
or should i continue studying advanced undergrad physics books( if yes , please suggest any good books )
Any guidance would be really helpful.
 
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Keep practicing your math and strengthening your problem solving skills. This will reinforce your knowledge and make you better at the math and so the physics. You need a solid background in the math before delving into even more complex physics.
 
suggest any good books to study math for physics.

any other suggestions or guidance??
 
Why you are reading college level physics in high school if it is just for getting ahead to others then
1.Revise the Fundamentals of Physics to Perfection.
2.Lang's Basic Mathematics or Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Kreyszig.
3.Don't go very higher, Just do Kleppnar Mechanics and Purcell Electrodynamics. For Modern Physics Krane or visit here PF Physics/Astronomy Textbook Discussion.

If the above looks you insufficient and want to do even higher, then include
1.Mathematical Methods for Physical Sciences by Mary Boas
2.Schaum's Outline of Vector Analysis.
3.Spivak Calculus
4.Marion & Thornton Mechanics and Griffiths Electrodynamics.and Quantum Mechanics by Liboff.

Keep Studying till Perfection. Best Wishes

Snow-Leopard.
 
In addition to what everyone else has said, I would suggest International Physics Olympiad if it is something you are interested in. Problems in General Physics by Irodov is a good book for this. The text and solutions are available online on some obscure sites (extremely expensive book, would not suggest buying; also, very rare).

If you decide to go to school after high school, I would not suggest studying any further than the introductory physics that you have already studied. You might get bored or burned out if you do. I do disagree with Snow-Leapord's suggestion of a calculus text. I find Courant or Apostol geared more towards a physicist than a mathematician (especially Courant). Although, let your interests dictate whether you want Courant/Apostol or Spivak. Div, Curl, and All That is also a good text in addition to Schaum's Outline of Vector Analysis.
 
thankyou everyone . any other suggestions please
 
Last edited:
Olympiad is for people who are interested in spending countless hours on the same questions for months and months. You can't do advanced books yet, you don't have the maths - You would need linear algebra and much more calculus than just single-variable.
 
how much math would i need and which books should i refer
 
narayan.rocks said:
how much math would i need and which books should i refer
If you are preparing for/ going to prepare Physics Olympiad then go your countries national physics olympiad page. In USA it is AAPT.https://aapt.org/physicsteam/2013/
They have some recommended text go through it.
 
  • #10
narayan.rocks said:
how much math would i need and which books should i refer

It'd take you probably a 6 -12 months depending on your study habit. You'll need Linear Algebra, much more calculus and differential equations for much more advanced physics. For the Olympiad you need maximum the maths you have now.
 
  • #11
narayan.rocks if you want to directly jump to College level Physics then Schaum's Outline give you great help as a basic college level books, try these
Schaum's Outline of Mathematics for Physics Students.& Outline of E&M & Outline of Modern Physics or Quantum Mechanics.

There is also a book for Calculus in series, Calculus 3000 solved Problems.

Keep Studying till Perfection. Best Wishes

Snow-Leopard.
 

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