John Baez's list of books math prerequisites?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical prerequisites for reading John Baez's recommended books after completing the Feynman Lectures on Physics. Key texts mentioned include "Classical Mechanics" by Herbert Goldstein, "Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics" by F. Reif, "Classical Electrodynamics" by John David Jackson, "Spacetime Physics" by Edwin F. Taylor and John A. Wheeler, and "Quantum Mechanics and the Particles of Nature" by Anthony Sudbery. The consensus is that while a solid foundation in differential equations and linear algebra is essential, readers can engage with these texts and acquire additional mathematical knowledge as needed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Differential Equations
  • Linear Algebra
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Basic Quantum Mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Classical Mechanics" by Herbert Goldstein to solidify understanding of mechanics.
  • Explore "Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics" by F. Reif for statistical mechanics concepts.
  • Read "Classical Electrodynamics" by John David Jackson to grasp electromagnetism fundamentals.
  • Investigate "Quantum Mechanics and the Particles of Nature" by Anthony Sudbery for insights into quantum mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, aspiring physicists, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of advanced physics topics through mathematical foundations.

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my current skills in math are differential eq and linear algebra...
and I am about to start reading Feynman lectures of physics and planning to read all John Baez's recommended books.. after reading Feynman's, what would be the next best thing to do? learn more math? or jump already to core topics?

and what would be the math prerequisites of these books?

Classical mechanics:
Herbert Goldstein, Charles Poole, and John Safko, Classical Mechanics, Addison Wesley, San Francisco, 2002.

Statistical mechanics:
F. Reif, Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics, McGraw Hill, New York, 1965.

Electromagnetism:
John David Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics, Wiley, New York, 1975.

Special relativity:
Edwin F. Taylor, John A. Wheeler, Spacetime Physics: Introduction to Special Relativity, W. H. Freeman Press, 1992.

Quantum mechanics:
Anthony Sudbery, Quantum Mechanics and the Particles of Nature: an Outline for Mathematicians, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1986. (Not just for mathematicians!
 
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You should be fine. Jump in into the books, and pick up any additional mathematics along the way.
 

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