Looking for a Better Mechanics Textbook? Any Suggestions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Uranium235
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Morin Textbook
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding a better mechanics textbook to replace David Morin's "Introduction to Classical Mechanics." Participants recommend several alternatives, including "Taylor" for its clear explanations and "Kleppner/Kolenkow" for its comprehensive coverage and challenging problems. While Morin's book is noted for its difficult problems, it lacks sufficient conceptual explanations. "Greiner" is also suggested as a viable option, providing a balance of theory and problem-solving.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic mechanics concepts such as statics and dynamics.
  • Familiarity with problem-solving techniques in physics.
  • Knowledge of special relativity principles.
  • Experience with rotational dynamics and momentum concepts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Kleppner/Kolenkow" for its approach to mechanics and problem sets.
  • Explore "Taylor" for its clarity in explaining fundamental concepts.
  • Investigate "Greiner" for its balance of theory and practical problems.
  • Look into supplementary resources that enhance understanding of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Students in second-year mechanics courses, educators seeking effective teaching materials, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of classical mechanics concepts.

Uranium235
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
I'm currently in a mechanics course (second year) that uses the David Morin book (Introduction to Classical Mechanics) which I find to be very unhelpful. It's mostly just problems with very little explanation of the concepts. I'm looking for a textbook to replace Morin's which covers the same topics:

Statics
Dynamics (especially Atwood's machines)
Rotational Dynamics
Work and Energy
Momentum
Special Relativity

Does anyone have any good suggestions?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The standard books for a second year mechanics course, from what I've seen at most university catalogs, are Taylor and\or Marion. Taylor explains things very well but I would definitely not stop using Morin as a supplement. Morin's harder problems can be extremely rewarding unlike the majority of problems in Taylor which are breezy. You can learn the concepts from Taylor but do the problems in Morin. If you want a mechanics book that explains things extremely well and has difficult problems but doesn't cover certain things from a second year such as lagrangian or hamiltonian mechanics (it covers everything you listed however) then check out Kleppner. Kleppner is such a good book I can't stress it enough.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Nulliusinverba

Similar threads

Classical What are the best intermediate Newtonian mechanics textbooks?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
6K
Classical Chapters from Morin's book that help with F=ma exam prep?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Classical Textbooks to qualify for USAPhO?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Kleppner & Kolenkow's or David Morin for mechanics (IPhO)
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
20K
Classical Textbook Suggestions for a Physics Student with Little Experience
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Quantum Identifying an old quantum mechanics textbook
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
6K
Classical Which book is better for the physics olympiad?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
What is a recommended textbook for solid mechanics?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Other Which Springer books to buy? (QM, GR and statistical mechanics)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Classical The best introductory mechanics textbook
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
8K