Looking for a concise algebra-based book on basic physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a concise algebra-based physics book that covers a range of basic physics topics, with a specific request for a book under 400-500 pages. Participants explore various book recommendations and express concerns about the length and content of suggested texts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a concise physics book covering specific topics, including general physics, thermal physics, wave properties, electricity and magnetism, and atomic physics.
  • Another participant suggests Benjamin Crowell's Introductory Physics books, claiming they cover much of the requested content.
  • A different participant challenges this suggestion, noting that the "Light and Matter" book exceeds the requested page limit and that concise options do not fit the topic.
  • One participant points out the availability of "Conceptual Physics," which has 187 pages, as a potential option.
  • Another participant mentions that there are various books around 400+ pages available on Amazon, but warns that quality may vary and may not align with the user's course requirements.
  • A participant expresses a desire for more polite communication and requests further assistance in finding under-400-page books.
  • One participant provides a link to Amazon for searching "Introductory Physics" books, suggesting that some options may be more advanced than what the original poster is seeking.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific book recommendation, with multiple competing suggestions and concerns about the suitability and length of the options discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the quality and relevance of suggested books, indicating that the recommendations may not match the user's specific needs or course content.

Ankel
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I need a book that is under 400-500 pages which covers all of basic physics nicely. Every introductory algebra-based physics book I have seen has over 1000 pages and I just need a concise book right now, for some personal reasons.

It should cover the following topics:

1. General physics
1.1 Length and time
1.2 Motion
1.3 Mass and weight
1.4 Density
1.5 Forces
1.6 Momentum
1.7 Energy, work and power
1.8 Pressure
2. Thermal physics
2.1 Simple kinetic molecular model of matter
2.2 Thermal properties and temperature
2.3 Thermal processes
3. Properties of waves, including light and sound
3.1 General wave properties
3.2 Light
3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum
3.4 Sound
4. Electricity and magnetism
4.1 Simple phenomena of magnetism
4.2 Electrical quantities
4.3 Electric circuits
4.4 Digital electronics (not necessary)
4.5 Dangers of electricity
4.6 Electromagnetic effects
4.7 Hooke's Law
5. Atomic physics
5.1 The nuclear atom
5.2 Radioactivity

A good candidate for this book was "Basic Physics" by Kuhn but it doesn't seem to cover some of the topics I listed (for example, the Hooke's Law). I'll be very very glad if somebody could help me out.
 
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jedishrfu said:
Benjamin Crowell's Introductory Physics books should cover much of what you've listed:

http://lightandmatter.com/

A bad suggestion. The "Light and Matter" book is over 1000 pages and the other books are quite larger than I mentioned, those that are concise don't fit the topic.

Do you have any other suggestions in mind?
 
Did you look at the other books on his page like the Conceptual Physics? It has 187 pgs.

http://lightandmatter.com/cp/

Also I searched around a bit and there are other books that are around 400+ pgs on Amazon which you can probably pickup in a nearby bookstore. The quality varies though and they may not match whatever course you're taking.

Lastly, please be a bit more polite in your comments saying "bad suggestion" without saying thanks won't win many people over to help you in your search.
 
Last edited:
jedishrfu said:
Did you look at the other books on his page like the Conceptual Physics? It has 187 pgs.

http://lightandmatter.com/cp/

Also I searched around a bit and there are other books that are around 400+ pgs on Amazon which you can probably pickup in a nearby bookstore. The quality varies though and they may not match whatever course you're taking.

Lastly, please be a bit more polite in your comments saying "bad suggestion" without saying thanks won't win many people over to help you in your search.

I didn't mean to offend you, sir. I am not a native speaker of English, so mind my sillyness. Can you show me these under-400 books? I'd very very appreciate it...and Thanks in advance.
 

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