Mathematics Required for Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical knowledge required for understanding undergraduate physics topics, including Classical Mechanics, Optics, Statistical Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Nuclear Physics, Plasma Physics, and Relativity. Participants share their experiences and seek recommendations for appropriate mathematical resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • A high school student expresses a desire to learn undergraduate physics and inquires about the necessary mathematics knowledge.
  • One participant references a Wikipedia page listing books on Mathematical Physics as a resource.
  • The student seeks guidance on which specific books to choose from the provided list and whether they cover all necessary mathematics for physics.
  • Another participant suggests that in addition to calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations are essential for general physics, while Quantum Theory may require group theory and General Relativity may involve differential geometry and tensor analysis.
  • The student considers Mary L. Boas and Riley's Mathematical Physics textbooks as suitable options, noting their comprehensive coverage of the required material.
  • The student reiterates the recommendation of Mary L. Boas as a highly regarded text for undergraduates and expresses interest in pursuing more specific mathematics texts afterward.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations for undergraduate physics, but there are varying opinions on additional mathematical topics required for specific areas of physics, such as Quantum Theory and General Relativity. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best choice of textbooks from the referenced list.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the depth of mathematical knowledge required for each specific physics topic, and there may be assumptions about prior knowledge that are not explicitly stated.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students preparing for undergraduate physics, educators seeking to guide students in mathematics for physics, and anyone interested in the intersection of mathematics and physics education.

narayan.rocks
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Iam a High school Student starting grade 11 this year . I want to learn all undergrad physics chapters like Classical Mechanics , Optics , Statistical Mechanics , Thermodynamics , Electromagnetism , Quantum Mechanics , Solid State physics , Nuclear Physics , Plasma Physics , Relativity etc .
I have been learning math from MIT opencourseware I watch the video lecture / read lecture notes . Then i solve their problem sets and then their exams . I have completed the following courses
18.01 Single variable Calculus
18.02 Multi Variable Calculus

My question is how much math should i know so as to learn and understand all the concepts in undergrad physics . Also Suggest good books . Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
yeah thanks , but which one do i choose . Does these books cover all the math required for a physics undergrad
 
In addition to calculus, I would say that only Linear Algebra and Differential Equations are really required for general physics. Work specifically in quantum theory woul require group theory (though probably not the full "abstract algebra") and general relativity uses differential geometry and tensor analyisis.
 
Thanks , so i think i can go with Mary L boas / Riley's Mathematical physics textbooks as they cover almost all of these
 
narayan.rocks said:
Thanks , so i think i can go with Mary L boas / Riley's Mathematical physics textbooks as they cover almost all of these
Surely Mary L Boas is highly Recommended text for Undergrad and want to do more then go to specific/Pure Maths books after that for Linear Algebra/Calculus/DE etc.
 

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