Learn Mechanics: Self-Study Guide & Prerequisites

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

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for self-study resources in mechanics, focusing on the appropriate textbooks and mathematical prerequisites needed for deeper understanding. Participants express varying levels of advancement in their study of mechanics and seek guidance on progressing further.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions their current knowledge of mechanics from Halliday, Resnick, and Krane, and seeks recommendations for further self-learning.
  • Another participant suggests "Kleppner and Kolenkow, An Introduction to Mechanics" as a suitable next step.
  • Some participants express a desire for more advanced material, specifically mentioning topics like Euler's and Lagrange's methods, while emphasizing the need to start from basics.
  • A later reply argues that Kleppner's book is significantly more rigorous than Halliday's, asserting that it employs advanced calculus throughout, which may better prepare students for more complex topics.
  • One participant critiques the informal language used in the thread, questioning the seriousness of the discussion and expressing concern over the pace of learning suggested by others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the best approach to self-study mechanics, with participants presenting differing opinions on the appropriateness of specific textbooks and the pace of learning. Some advocate for a more rigorous approach, while others seem to prefer a quicker progression through the material.

Contextual Notes

Participants have varying levels of mathematical knowledge, with some indicating familiarity with differentiation, basic integral calculus, and first-order differential equations, which may affect their ability to engage with more advanced texts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking self-study resources in mechanics, particularly those interested in transitioning from introductory to more advanced topics in physics.

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   Reactions: NTesla, person_random_normal and micromass

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K