How is Greenwood's Classical Dynamics?

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SUMMARY

Greenwood's "Classical Dynamics" is discussed as a potential substitute for Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics." While some users suggest that the shorter length of Greenwood's book may be appealing, it is emphasized that the depth of content is crucial for understanding classical mechanics. Recommendations include exploring John Taylor's book, which, despite being larger than Goldstein's, is noted for its clarity and detail. Ultimately, the choice of textbook should align with the reader's specific goals in studying mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with classical mechanics concepts
  • Understanding of textbook evaluation criteria
  • Basic knowledge of physics education pathways
  • Awareness of different authors and their contributions to mechanics literature
NEXT STEPS
  • Research John Taylor's "Classical Mechanics" for comprehensive coverage
  • Explore alternative mechanics textbooks for varied perspectives
  • Investigate study techniques for efficiently digesting complex physics material
  • Examine the syllabus of mechanics courses to align textbook choice with learning objectives
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, educators selecting textbooks, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of classical mechanics through effective literature choices.

yicong2011
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My friend recommend this book to me.

Actually, I don't have enough time to read Goldstein. But this is book is not so thicker as Goldstein's.

May I use this book as a substitution?
 
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yicong, There are several valid reasons I can think of that Goldstein might not be the best mechanics book for you, but "don't have time to read it" is not one of them. You don't say what your purpose is, whether you're taking a mechanics course, preparing for an exam, or something else. There are many good books out there. Despite any recommendations, you should stop at the library and glance through a few of them yourself. Bearing in mind that you don't have to completely digest every chapter. Classical mechanics is a large subject, and your choice should partly depend on what you want to emphasize.

The shortest treatment is rarely the clearest. Most complaints I've heard go the other way, that things were glossed over, not explained, not enough detail provided. Take a look at the book by John Taylor. It's large, larger than Goldstein, but has received favorable comments.
 

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