Mathematics applied to Physics; textbooks.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the search for textbooks that effectively demonstrate the application of mathematics, particularly calculus, in physics. Participants express interest in resources that bridge mathematical concepts with physical laws and problem-solving techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for textbooks that focus on calculus and its applications in physics, expressing a preference for resources that connect mathematical rules to familiar physical concepts.
  • Another participant shares a link to a specific textbook that may be of interest.
  • A list of several textbooks is provided by another participant, including titles such as "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" by Boas and "Math Methods for Physicists" by Arfken.
  • A participant mentions considering "Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering" by Hobson, Riley, and Bence, asking for feedback from those who have used it.
  • One participant notes their positive experience with Riley's textbook, suggesting that it and Boas are both good options without a significant difference between them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of specific textbooks for learning mathematics in the context of physics, but there is no consensus on a single best resource, as preferences vary among individuals.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the recommended textbooks, and there may be assumptions about prior knowledge in calculus and physics that are not explicitly stated.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students in physics or related fields seeking to enhance their understanding of the mathematical foundations relevant to their studies.

bert2002
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Hello all.

I'm looking for a good textbook about how the mathematics, particularly calculus is applied in physics. I've done some calculus as i am a physics undergraduate student but i want to better learn the math and see how it is applied in physics as i find that a lot more interesting.

What i am essentially looking for is a math textbook, geared mostly towards calculus that gives examples of how to apply the rules of math in physics. I understand the rules are generally exactly the same but it is much nicer when the math is applied to laws and quantities that i recognise in Physics as it is is mostly the physics i am interested in.

Or a physics textbook that explains the mathematical steps and procedures that are taking place in deriving equations and solving problems.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences - Boas
Schaum's Advanced Maths for Engineers and Scientists - Spiegel
Advanced Engineering Mathematics - Kreizig
Mathematics of Physics and Chemistry -Margenau
Math Methods for Physicists - Arfken
 
Thanks for the responses.

I'm thinking about getting this textbook

http: //www.amazon.com/Mathematical-Methods-Physics-Engineering-Comprehensive/dp/0521679710/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url

- Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering (3rd edition): A Comprehensive Guide - Hobson, Riley, Bence

Any thoughts from people who have used it ?
 
bert2002 said:
Thanks for the responses.

I'm thinking about getting this textbook

http: //www.amazon.com/Mathematical-Methods-Physics-Engineering-Comprehensive/dp/0521679710/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url

- Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering (3rd edition): A Comprehensive Guide - Hobson, Riley, Bence

Any thoughts from people who have used it ?
I've actually primarily used Riley. I like it. Between that and Boas it really doesn't matter which you pick.
 

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