How Can I Begin Studying Physics as a Newcomer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how a newcomer can begin studying physics, with participants sharing various approaches, resources, and advice tailored to different levels of understanding. The scope includes foundational concepts, recommended materials, and general guidance for beginners.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest starting with a book that suits the individual's level and interests.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in mathematics, particularly linear algebra and calculus, before diving into physics.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the original post, suggesting it may be trolling, and reiterates that starting physics involves simply picking a book and reading it.
  • There are suggestions to seek guidance from math or physics teachers, or to explore popular science books alongside math resources to maintain engagement.
  • Some participants mention the availability of online resources, such as Khan Academy, as a helpful starting point for learning physics.
  • Concerns are raised about making assumptions regarding the gender of participants responding to the thread.
  • One participant notes the challenge of language barriers for newcomers and encourages understanding in communication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on how to start studying physics, with no clear consensus on a single approach. Some advocate for structured learning through books, while others emphasize the importance of mathematics and online resources. Disagreement exists regarding the nature of the original inquiry, with some perceiving it as genuine and others as potentially trolling.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for more specific information about the newcomer's current level of understanding to provide tailored recommendations. There is also acknowledgment of the potential legal and ethical considerations regarding accessing educational materials online.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals new to physics, educators seeking to guide students, and anyone interested in exploring different methods of learning physics and mathematics.

ahmed habala
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hi all how can i start to study physics ?
please help me
 
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Get a book and start working through it.
 
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micromass said:
Get a book and start working through it.
what's the name of book ?
please
 
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ahmed habala said:
what's the name of book ?
please

Any book you want to study. Pick one that will suit you the best and study it.
 
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thanks very much
 
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Hi Ahmed,

You might get more helpful suggestions if you offer a little more information. What level are you at right now? High school? University? A complete beginner who's read some popular science books and wants to learn more?

One of the most common suggestions on a place to start is to begin by building a strong foundation in mathematics: specifically with linear algebra and calculus. This will give you a sharp set of tools to work with as you start to work your way through an introductory physics class. I'm sure others around here can offer you some specific book recommendations, but they need to know what level you're at and comfortable with right now.
 
Hi Choppy I'm in high school
but i don't know anything about linear algebra and calculus .
please guide me how i can start if you can ?
thank you Choppy
 
This is a very weird post, potentially trolling.

You start studying physics by starting it. How do you start playing a game? Well, you get the game and you play it.

In this case, you pick a book, and you read it.
 
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mohinder said:
This is a very weird post, potentially trolling.

You start studying physics by starting it. How do you start playing a game? Well, you get the game and you play it.

In this case, you pick a book, and you read it.
thanks sir
 
  • #10
ahmed habala said:
thanks sir

A friendly advice: don't assume that everyone who answers you here is a male. Unless you know for sure, do not be gender-specific in your replies.

Zz.
 
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  • #11
mohinder said:
This is a very weird post, potentially trolling.

You start studying physics by starting it. How do you start playing a game? Well, you get the game and you play it.

In this case, you pick a book, and you read it.

No, this is more like trolling.

Very common for children from non-western countries(assumption) to discover science or physics, possibly partially through the internet, they feel people around them don't know a lot about it, and ask online.

They still have to learn how to ask the right questions. Doesn't mean they are trolls. You don't know what a troll is.

There is no right answer.

Some answers are:

Ask your math or physics teacher. If you don't have one, what does it take to get one?

Get a fun book(like popular science or cosmology, etc) and get a math book suitable to your level (algebra, pre-calc, calc, we can't tell).
Work on both. Doing only hard math is going to get boring at some point. Reading only fun stuff without math doesn't help you learn anything.

You can download a lot of books online and learn from them if you can't buy or find any at your local library. Probably illegal in some countries, but not immoral for a teenager who doesn't have access to it through proper channels.
I am not familiar with the common texts written in English so even if I know your level, I don't know what to recommend. We need the people knowledgeable on that to become a bit more helpful.That said, this question has been asked many times before. Below the last post you can find titles of similar threads/questions/similar discussions.
 
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  • #12
ZapperZ said:
A friendly advice: don't assume that everyone who answers you here is a male. Unless you know for sure, do not be gender-specific in your replies.

Zz.
Hi
i'm sorry if i make a mistake because i use English as a second language and i am not very good in it
 
  • #13
Try Kahn academy (online). I found their physics playlist very interesting.
 
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  • #14
Isaac0427 said:
Try Kahn academy (online). I found their physics playlist very interesting.
thank you very much
 

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