Learning Physics Basics: Feynman vs Serway

[welatiger]

Is Feynman lectures on physics suitable for beginning physics (learn basics of physics)
OR physics for scientists and engineers (Serway) ?
i want to learn basics most powerful
thx

 

[dx]

How much mathematics do you know?

 

[welatiger]

i know basic calculus and differential eqs
and partial DE
some special fns
and little functional analysis

 

[dx]

In that case, I recommend Feynman.

 

[welatiger]

thank you very much for your help
hoping other members to give me their opinions

 

[f95toli]

Many people refer to the The Feynman lectures as "physics for physicists" and I think I have to agree. Reading the lectures is an excellent way of brushing up on a certain area or getting a different perspective but I wouldn't recommend it as your ONLY book.
Part of the problem is simply that they are too brief; the lectures are quite short meaning they cover an enormous amount of physics in each chapter, there is simply not enough space to go into any details; most books on e.g. basic E&M are longer than one volume of the lectures.

My advice would to initially focus on one (or maybe two) area of physics (say basic mechanics) and then buy a good book that cover ONLY that area.

 

[j93]

Serway