Mathematical methods for physicists

[PrathameshR]

I'm currently doing mechanical engineering undergraduate degree but I don't want to continue with this field for further education. I'm more interested in physics. That's why I have started studying on my own. I'm really confused how to start. I have purchased several classic textbooks on classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, solid state etc but I'm really confused what to do first. I have decided the following order 1. Mathematical methods 2. Classical mechanics 3. Electrodynamics 4. Quantum mechanics 5. Solid state nuclear etc. Should I go in this order or not? Can someone suggested a better sequence with its advantages over this one?

Also I have started reading mathematical methods for physicists by arfken and Weber . Can someone suggeste a good lecture series that will go with it?

Any other suggestions regarding starting rigourous study of physics are also welcome. Thank you[emoji4]

 

[PrathameshR]

Also tell me if this is the correct subforum to post this query .

 

[Haborix]

Your order is a fairly standard one and seems reasonable to me. I would only comment that it's not necessary to do all of mathematical methods before beginning the physics. Once you feel comfortable with ordinary differential equations you could start the classical mechanics. Once you understand some vector calculus and solving linear PDEs you could make it through E&M. Depending on what books you have chosen, some of these prerequisites might appear in the actual physics books. Good luck.

 

[fresh_42]

What's wrong about this advice:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...ists-by-arfken-and-weber.923099/#post-5823919

I don't know arfken and weber, but I know who gave you the advice above and who liked it. Believe me, you won't get a better one.

 

[PrathameshR]

What's wrong about this advice:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...ists-by-arfken-and-weber.923099/#post-5823919

I don't know arfken and weber, but I know who gave you the advice above and who liked it. Believe me, you won't get a better one.

Sorry but I'm not getting what you said. Can you explain?

 

[fresh_42]

Sorry but I'm not getting what you said. Can you explain?

I just wanted to point out that the other book mentioned in your other thread might be an alternative (or addition) to Arfken and Weber. Concerning your other question about the order, @Haborix already summarized it pretty well, so I saw no need to repeat what he already has said.

 

[PrathameshR]

I just wanted to point out that the other book mentioned in your other thread might be an alternative (or addition) to Arfken and Weber. Concerning your other question about the order, @Haborix already summarized it pretty well, so I saw no need to repeat what he already has said.

The two threads are in different subforums.im new to this forum so still learning to categorise topic into subforum. I originally wanted to know about lecture series.

 

[PrathameshR]

I just wanted to point out that the other book mentioned in your other thread might be an alternative (or addition) to Arfken and Weber. Concerning your other question about the order, @Haborix already summarized it pretty well, so I saw no need to repeat what he already has said.

Thanks.

 

[fresh_42]

If you're not sure where to post a question, you can report it and ask to move it to a better one, but you'll probably get used to it quite soon. Only questions about textbook examples, exercises and similar should be posted in the homework section and the template there must be used. This is important to us, as we want to help and teach students. PF is more a qualified tutorial than an answering machine. We think that concepts can be learned more effectively this way, than by giving ready made solutions. Especially when you're studying on your own, this will be a great support as we try to accompany the learning process. The golden rule here is: if differential equations are involved, it's either "Calculus and Beyond" or "Advanced Physics" and if it is about elementary questions like those about forces, it's probably "Precalculus" or "Introductory Physics".

There are also some Insights articles about self-studying, e.g. https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/problems-self-studying/
I'm not sure whether we have specific articles about physical fields. I know of several for all kinds of mathematical fields. You can try the search function there, which is a different one than the one on this page.

For lecture notes, you can use google and search, e.g. for "classical mechanics lecture notes", and you will find many, as most universities have lecture notes on their servers. For videos, try Feynman's videos on youtube. In general there is no substitution for textbooks and videos can't answer questions. But you can have a try. Some students use the Khan academy https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics but I'm not sure whether this is a good recommendation. In the end you'll have to find out what's the best way for you to learn. I prefer books over videos, it's easier to look up previous pages.

 

[PrathameshR]

If you're not sure where to post a question, you can report it and ask to move it to a better one, but you'll probably get used to it quite soon. Only questions about textbook examples, exercises and similar should be posted in the homework section and the template there must be used. This is important to us, as we want to help and teach students. PF is more a qualified tutorial than an answering machine. We think that concepts can be learned more effectively this way, than by giving ready made solutions. Especially when you're studying on your own, this will be a great support as we try to accompany the learning process. The golden rule here is: if differential equations are involved, it's either "Calculus and Beyond" or "Advanced Physics" and if it is about elementary questions like those about forces, it's probably "Precalculus" or "Introductory Physics".

There are also some Insights articles about self-studying, e.g. https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/problems-self-studying/
I'm not sure whether we have specific articles about physical fields. I know of several for all kinds of mathematical fields. You can try the search function there, which is a different one than the one on this page.

For lecture notes, you can use google and search, e.g. for "classical mechanics lecture notes", and you will find many, as most universities have lecture notes on their servers. For videos, try Feynman's videos on youtube. In general there is no substitution for textbooks and videos can't answer questions. But you can have a try. Some students use the Khan academy https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics but I'm not sure whether this is a good recommendation. In the end you'll have to find out what's the best way for you to learn. I prefer books over videos, it's easier to look up previous pages.

This is really helpful . Thanks