Learn Mechanics: Self-Study Guide & Prerequisites

  • Thread starter Thread starter person_random_normal
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mechanics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on self-study resources for advanced mechanics, specifically recommending "An Introduction to Mechanics" by Kleppner and Kolenkow as a foundational text. Participants emphasize the importance of mastering calculus, particularly differentiation and integral calculus, before progressing to more complex topics such as Euler's and Lagrange's formulations. The consensus is that Kleppner's book provides a more rigorous approach compared to Halliday's, making it essential for serious physics students. The conversation also critiques the tendency to rush through material, advocating for a thorough understanding of concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, including differentiation and integral calculus
  • Familiarity with first-order differential equations
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics and work-energy theorem
  • Experience with rotational mechanics concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "An Introduction to Mechanics" by Kleppner and Kolenkow
  • Explore advanced topics in mechanics, focusing on Euler's equations
  • Learn about Lagrangian mechanics and its applications
  • Review additional resources on differential equations for physics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, self-learners in mechanics, and educators seeking advanced resources for teaching mechanics concepts.

person_random_normal
Messages
165
Reaction score
10
At present whatever mechanics I know is attributed to PHYSICS - Halliday Reskick Krane
i.e kinematics, centre of mass , work energy theorem and rotational mechanics

So I want to go on !
So What I want to know is which book will be best for that, and whatever you tell please mind that I will be doing self learning.

Also let me know the corresponding mathematical prerequisites ,
as of now as far as calculus goes
I know differentiation , first two principals of integral calculus , first order differential equations
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Kleppner and Kolenkow, An Introduction to Mechanics, is the way to go.
 
something more advance !

making into Euler's and Lagrange's stuff
but from basics
 
Shreyas Samudra said:
something more advance !

making into Euler's and Lagrange's stuff
but from basics

Are you sure you know what Kleppner's book does? Sure, it might appear that they cover the same as Halliday's book. But Kleppner-Kolenkow is very different and way more mature than Halliday. While Halliday often uses some baby calculus, Kleppner uses the full power of calculus every step of the way. Seriously, I think every physics student should work through Kleppner before moving on to Lagrangian stuff.

But ok, if you want more advanced stuff: https://www.amazon.com/dp/189138922X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
First, "wanna" isn't even slang. It's baby talk. I don't know why people expect to be treated seriously if they write in baby talk.

Second, you got some very good advice with Kleppner. I don't understand the desire to whip through the material as quickly as possible, ensuring that one learns as little as possible.
 
  • Like
Likes NTesla, person_random_normal and micromass
i am self learning physics. have you ever worked your way backwards again after finishing most undergrad courses? i have textbooks for junior/senior physics courses in classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermal physics, quantum mechanics, and mathematical methods for self learning. i have the Halliday Resnick sophomore book. working backwards, i checked out Conceptual Physics 11th edition by Hewitt and found this book very helpful. What i liked most was how stimulating the pictures...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K