Mechanics book recommendations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for mechanics textbooks suitable for someone who has just completed a calculus course. Participants explore various options, considering different levels of difficulty and mathematical rigor.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests a combination of Landau & Lifschitz (volume 1) and Goldstein for a rigorous approach, especially for those with a strong mathematical background.
  • Another participant echoes the recommendation for Landau & Lifschitz and Goldstein but questions the suitability of these texts for beginners, suggesting that they are quite advanced.
  • In response to the original poster's background, a participant recommends "An Introduction to Mechanics" by Kleppner and Kolenkow, or more accessible chapters from Halliday and Resnick, Serway, or Young and Freedman.
  • Another participant agrees that Goldstein and Landau & Lifschitz require significant preparation and recommends "French, Newtonian Mechanics" as a more approachable option.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the appropriateness of certain textbooks for beginners. While some advocate for more advanced texts, others emphasize the need for more accessible options, indicating a lack of consensus on the best starting point.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not specify the level of physics knowledge the original poster possesses, which may influence the recommendations. There is also no agreement on the prerequisites needed for the suggested texts.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in mechanics, particularly those transitioning from calculus to physics, may find these recommendations relevant.

Spearmintz
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can anyone recommend a good mechanics book.
i have just finished learning calculus from spivak
thanks
 
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Spivak has probably taught you well. I would consider a combination between Landau & Lifschits' book (volume 1 of the set) and one of the editions of Goldstein.

If you have a passion for mathematics, then either Arnold's book or one Marsden's books should please you.
 
dextercioby said:
Spivak has probably taught you well. I would consider a combination between Landau & Lifschits' book (volume 1 of the set) and one of the editions of Goldstein.

If you have a passion for mathematics, then either Arnold's book or one Marsden's books should please you.

That's pretty hard-core telling someone to start off with those books.

Spearmintz how much physics do you know? If you don't know any then I recommend An Introduction to Mechanics by Daniel Kleppner and Robert J. Kolenkow, or for something more tractable, the relevant chapters in a book like Halliday and Resnick, or Serway, or Young and Freedman etc.
 

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